tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38821017585890058242017-08-14T09:08:54.238-07:00Raising Little DragonslayersThoughts from a full-time mom, full-time geek, part-time grown-up.Sara Richeynoreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-39975751729790835412016-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:002016-07-29T07:56:08.821-07:00Lembas Land.My kids have been OBSESSED with Candy Land lately.<br /><br />I had no idea I could hate a game this much.<br /><br />We play it about eighteen times a day. &nbsp;And, inevitably, at least once a day, someone will draw one of those stupid candy cards when they're on literally THE LAST SPACE before winning, and we'll have to reshuffle the whole deck because we ran out of cards AGAIN which means that ALL THE CANDY CARDS are back up for grabs and it's the candy-filled hell that never ends. &nbsp;Oh, and if my three-year-old wins, my five-year-old insists on continuing to play until we've ALL reached the stupid candy castle, so the three-year-old sobs until we're done because he has nothing left to do and he has to wait until we start a new game for him to play again. &nbsp;AND I'm trying NOT to eat all the junk food right now, so I can actually fit into my Dragon Con cosplays in less than two months, and this game makes me want ALL THE CANDY.<br /><br />It's the worst. game. ever. &nbsp;(It almost makes me long for Monopoly.)<br /><br />So, I had an idea the other day. &nbsp;If I have to play this horrible game over and over and over again, maybe I should create a version that has SOMETHING that I like about it...<br /><br />And Lembas Land was born.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-288-E3DuP9w/V5oY0U-TiSI/AAAAAAAADOI/m7qP0-XhUtARuHFHWxGhRlbpzVXXZzghwCLcB/s1600/LembasLand%2BTitle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-288-E3DuP9w/V5oY0U-TiSI/AAAAAAAADOI/m7qP0-XhUtARuHFHWxGhRlbpzVXXZzghwCLcB/s640/LembasLand%2BTitle2.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lembas Land: A LOTR-themed Candy Land game (free printable).</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's not perfect. &nbsp;I'm pretty amateur at this, and I threw this together in the space of a few hours while my kids were taking naps and while I was supposed to be making dinner (...we ate leftovers).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4L2TZlxRmE/V5oVAMUDCWI/AAAAAAAADNk/fsWfHdYoXgY7JWFyh0O4JUGpS_XsVHDEACEw/s1600/20160725_205810_1469659097727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4L2TZlxRmE/V5oVAMUDCWI/AAAAAAAADNk/fsWfHdYoXgY7JWFyh0O4JUGpS_XsVHDEACEw/s1600/20160725_205810_1469659097727.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first version; I've since moved the shortcuts.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I tried to follow the approximate path of most of the Fellowship, but I did add some loops and swing out further than the actual locations, as I was shooting for the length of the game to be comparable to the original, and I wanted to fill out the board a little more than it would have been if I'd stuck religiously to the actual path of any of the characters.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIqR_rsaDLo/V5oVAQa5_aI/AAAAAAAADOA/fIkUZx9bZsYHoyK9xRu3-HW4Sl-37nLawCEw/s1600/shortcuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIqR_rsaDLo/V5oVAQa5_aI/AAAAAAAADOA/fIkUZx9bZsYHoyK9xRu3-HW4Sl-37nLawCEw/s1600/shortcuts.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortcuts: This was the first version. &nbsp;I've since modified the shortcuts to better fit the context of the story.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I adapted elements from the original, like these shortcuts. &nbsp;I tried to keep the shortcuts in this version logical within the context of the Lord of the Rings theme: the first shortcut is the name of a chapter before the Hobbits escape to Bree; the second references the mountain pass that the Fellowship tries to take before Saruman sends storms to force them to go through the Mines of Moria instead; and the third refers to Merry and Pippin's kidnapping by Uruk-Hai, allowing you to bypass Edoras and Helm's Deep, which Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli traveled to before reuniting with the Hobbits at Isengard.<br /><br />I did make some minor changes to the board after printing it the first time--you'll notice that I moved two of the shortcuts (it makes more sense for the pass at Caradhras to allow you to bypass the Mines of Moria, and for the last one to come out between Helm's Deep and Fangorn Forest) and added arrows on all three shortcuts to make it clearer which direction they move you.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlZ2VM5Kvxw/V5oVAZV4JAI/AAAAAAAADOA/xk9DgfyoqEASEtBsrY99RTITvi9mvEFggCEw/s1600/20160725_210539_1469659098545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlZ2VM5Kvxw/V5oVAZV4JAI/AAAAAAAADOA/xk9DgfyoqEASEtBsrY99RTITvi9mvEFggCEw/s1600/20160725_210539_1469659098545.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added an alternate route that can only be accessed by a single location card.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I also made some minor changes, like adding this section. &nbsp;If you draw the "Shelob's Lair" location card, you get to travel on this alternate route, which is much closer to the end (Minas Tirith) than any of the other location cards take you. &nbsp;Unless you draw another location card before you reach the end, of course--which seems to happen more often than it should in the home stretch in the normal game!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8-H50kKftY/V5oVAB5MpgI/AAAAAAAADOA/gz_sSzz1cDE-wQt5O4C-vRRyjR6ECx7KACEw/s1600/20160725_205833_1469659098072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8-H50kKftY/V5oVAB5MpgI/AAAAAAAADOA/gz_sSzz1cDE-wQt5O4C-vRRyjR6ECx7KACEw/s1600/20160725_205833_1469659098072.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added "lose a turn" cards to the deck.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In addition to the single and double squares cards, and the special location cards, I also added a few "lose a turn" cards...because I realized after printing the board that I'd forgotten to add spaces equivalent to the "stuck in licorice" spaces on the original. &nbsp;Oops. &nbsp;(When I reworked the board later, I decided to stick with the cards instead of trying to fit tiny writing on spaces. &nbsp;I may update this later with a third version...if I do, I'll post it here.)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjvcLHRO0gU/V5oVAM2uSbI/AAAAAAAADOA/_9hI2BbUi9QrgvazZ3y2OFBdPl7A1Ys9wCEw/s1600/20160725_205826_1469659098005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjvcLHRO0gU/V5oVAM2uSbI/AAAAAAAADOA/_9hI2BbUi9QrgvazZ3y2OFBdPl7A1Ys9wCEw/s1600/20160725_205826_1469659098005.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The board is sized for Lego minifigs. &nbsp;Lord of the Rings characters are not necessary, but are more fun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I tried to size the spaces on the board for using Lego minifigs as placeholders, since I have numerous "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" Lego sets (I have all nine minifigs for the Fellowship...and a lot of others). &nbsp;The spaces are a <i>little</i>&nbsp;on the small side, printed off onto four sheets, but it's pretty close for a shot in the dark....I was too lazy to figure out a reliable way to accurately measure and size it while I was making it, so I just eyeballed it. :-P<br /><br />All right, so you came here looking for the free printable I promised, right? &nbsp;Well, here it is:<br /><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYT19pczNQckJOckk/view?usp=sharing">Lembas Land: Game Board Printable PDF</a><br /><br />I tiled the PDF to print off onto four sheets (which I duct-taped together on the back), which maxed out at 193% for me. &nbsp;I am horrible with computers, though, so if you have trouble figuring out how to blow it up to print onto multiple sheets...Google it. :-P &nbsp;Sorry. &nbsp;I'm not going to be much help.<br /><br />Also, I suggest using card stock for durability. &nbsp;If you're actually playing with kids, definitely play on a hard surface, or put something under it (I put our board on top of a cutting mat that happens to be the perfect size). &nbsp;If you're NOT playing with kids...well, I won't judge. ;-)<br /><br />For the cards,you have two options. &nbsp;First is what I did: I used <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00006IBV7/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=3VNZOZN8KVYZ8&amp;coliid=I2NRN6PS7YJ38C&amp;psc=1">these printable business cards</a>. &nbsp;After downloading the template, I added the squares and text in Word. &nbsp;Here are the files:<br /><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYWWlOajYzcmZqM1k/view?usp=sharing">Lembas Land: Playing Cards - Singles (Word)</a><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYdmY3cDJ1akhFdlk/view?usp=sharing">Lembas Land: Playing Cards - Doubles (Word)</a><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYUmROOEdfaUZucnc/view?usp=sharing">Lembas Land: Playing Cards - Locations (Word)</a><br /><br />It appears that uploading these did away with the font I was using--it's called Ringbearer and can be downloaded&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dafont.com/ringbearer.font">here</a>. &nbsp;You'll have to download the font and manually change it in the Word doc before printing. &nbsp;Sorry!<br /><br />However, if you want to go the cheap-but-time-consuming route, you can print off the cards on normal cardstock, and cut them yourself. &nbsp;But you'll need to use these PDFs (since the lines won't print from the Word docs showing where to cut--it's a template specifically for those business cards...so I made PDFs with lines showing where to cut):<br /><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYYW5Vb2xWdDJ6M0U/view?usp=sharing">LembasLand: Playing Cards - Singles (PDF)</a><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYX3hmdjgzN1M0eG8/view?usp=sharing">LembasLand: Playing Cards - Doubles (PDF)</a><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfZdByx8VnYaTlHZjA0QVAxbzQ/view?usp=sharing">LembasLand: Playing Cards - Locations (PDF)</a><br /><br />Please keep in mind that the PDFs are NOT formatted for the business cards; they are slightly smaller, and will not print correctly on them.<br /><br />I printed off one sheet of the location cards, two sheets of the doubles, and three sheets of the singles.<br /><br />It's still not what I'd call a "fun" game...but at least now I can spew Tolkien trivia at my kids while we play! ;-)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGGmLCdtCmE/V5oVAP4WFrI/AAAAAAAADOA/JoE4eA4W3LcEB3-6RzgzQ_a79yAxovaOQCEw/s1600/20160725_205901_1469659098243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGGmLCdtCmE/V5oVAP4WFrI/AAAAAAAADOA/JoE4eA4W3LcEB3-6RzgzQ_a79yAxovaOQCEw/s1600/20160725_205901_1469659098243.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lembas Land: Because I'd rather be stuck in Middle-Earth for an hour.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you print and use this game board, I'd love to see it! &nbsp;Comment here, or tag it with #LembasLand on social media, and I'll find it. :-) &nbsp;After putting the work into this for my own sake, I'd love to see other geeky parents sharing their Lord of the Rings love with their own little geeklings! :-)Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-10887752822030478162016-03-25T19:34:00.001-07:002016-05-09T17:07:09.549-07:005 Fandom Friday: Favorite Places to Buy Geeky GearConfession: I submitted this <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> prompt in the hopes of finding new places to shop...so I'm really looking forward to picking up a few new sources this week! :-) &nbsp;Here are a few of my own favorite places to pick up geeky gear:<br /><br /><b>1. ThinkGeek</b><br /><b><br /></b>One of my favorite sites to shop, <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/">ThinkGeek.com</a> has it all: wide selection across numerous fandoms, regular sales and deals, and decent customer service. &nbsp;If you shop there often, it's worth starting an account, so you can accumulate rewards ("GeekPoints", which can often be redeemed for double value) and start wishlists to keep track of all the stuff you haven't bought yet. &nbsp;Being something of a cheapskate, I only shop their sales, but I've picked up some awesome stuff for great prices over the past few years.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xd7tXpSbM7g/VvXxlKsC_LI/AAAAAAAADMc/2tGOWZLsGiE9R-sKhOYrvCr2186BcyA3Q/s1600/20160325_135043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xd7tXpSbM7g/VvXxlKsC_LI/AAAAAAAADMc/2tGOWZLsGiE9R-sKhOYrvCr2186BcyA3Q/s1600/20160325_135043.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some ThinkGeek favorites: Boba Fett hoodie, Jayne hat, and sonic screwdriver (actually a pen with invisible ink and blacklight!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My favorite recent purchase, though, was definitely upgrading from my old diaper bag (which was falling apart, but my youngest should be out of diapers soon, so I was reluctant to spend money on a new diaper bag) to this awesome Kaylee-inspired bag:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsW0bN1k_0M/VvXxlRdPOJI/AAAAAAAADMg/lCM-7kN6_c8zhzf2EqOz4NRsH3uTH360w/s1600/IMG_20160308_200751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsW0bN1k_0M/VvXxlRdPOJI/AAAAAAAADMg/lCM-7kN6_c8zhzf2EqOz4NRsH3uTH360w/s1600/IMG_20160308_200751.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new "diaper" bag--Firefly's Kaylee-themed messenger bag. Shiny!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's only slightly smaller than my old bag, but with the same number of pockets, so it's <i>perfect</i>&nbsp;for a diaper bag (I'm kicking myself for not comparing measurements and realizing this sooner!), but it's a bag I'll still want to use for myself once I can finally ditch the diapers, too!<br /><br /><b>2. Deal-of-the-Day Tee Sites</b><br /><b><br /></b>I seldom wear anything that isn't a geeky tee with jeans, but with how many geeky tees I buy (I try not to get carried away, but I keep finding <i>awesome</i>&nbsp;designs!), I definitely save money by sticking with deal-of-the-day sites, which usually offer one or two designs that are available for a discounted price that day only, since it's cheaper for them to print in bulk (you can often shop their previous designs for a higher price). &nbsp;Most shirts come in at under $16 including shipping.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkL1j1G2N_I/VvWQjX_XUcI/AAAAAAAADMI/beU4EYerxu4LMZgfqDGu94-5gbm3u2AnQ/s1600/Geeky%2Btees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkL1j1G2N_I/VvWQjX_XUcI/AAAAAAAADMI/beU4EYerxu4LMZgfqDGu94-5gbm3u2AnQ/s1600/Geeky%2Btees.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The collection has grown since I first featured it <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/06/5-fandom-friday-fandom-guilty-pleasures.html">here</a>, but I was too lazy to take another picture....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At this point, I don't go out of my way to shop for new tees (I think I have enough...), so I've stopped checking my favorite sites daily, but I still get emails from a few of them and make occasional purchases. &nbsp;My favorites are <a href="https://www.teefury.com/">TeeFury.com</a>&nbsp;(daily designs) and <a href="http://www.onceuponatee.net/">OnceUponATee.net</a>&nbsp;(weekly design collections), but I've also ordered from <a href="https://www.riptapparel.com/">RiptApparel.com</a>, <a href="http://popuptee.com/">PopUpTee.com</a>, <a href="https://www.qwertee.com/">Qwertee.com</a>, and <a href="http://shirt.woot.com/">Shirt.Woot.com</a>.<br /><br /><b>3. Walmart</b><br /><b><br /></b>With geekiness in general becoming so mainstream over the past few years, I've also had a lot of luck finding some awesome stuff at major retailers like Target, Kohl's, and Old Navy, but my best luck has actually been at Walmart. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKadqAqjfGM/VvXxsid692I/AAAAAAAADMk/ZsKVSrd4QHUxG4Mf_kkqdzq_slqFMsO8A/s1600/20160325_134510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKadqAqjfGM/VvXxsid692I/AAAAAAAADMk/ZsKVSrd4QHUxG4Mf_kkqdzq_slqFMsO8A/s1600/20160325_134510.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Walmart finds: Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Star Wars, Power Rangers, &amp; Hunger Games.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I mean, it's Walmart quality, so you have to spot-check for crooked printing and holes at too-narrow seams, but for $7.50, I don't mind screening what I buy first.<br /><br /><b>4. Etsy</b><br /><b><br /></b>For geeky jewelry, I often turn to Etsy. &nbsp;You can find just about anything there! &nbsp;Here are a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19RSf5WCRh8/VvXxlDS0eyI/AAAAAAAADMY/dKhZRVCvMzgNhF3eqeDHjEpDYLVwnFBfw/s1600/20160325_135714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19RSf5WCRh8/VvXxlDS0eyI/AAAAAAAADMY/dKhZRVCvMzgNhF3eqeDHjEpDYLVwnFBfw/s1600/20160325_135714.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some favorite Etsy finds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The only issue...it's usually not going to be licensed. &nbsp;As an Etsy shop owner who makes geek-themed items without a license myself, I've done a fair bit of research into copyright law, and most jewelry falls into the illegal "reproduction" category (my own items, which aren't jewelry, are legal "redistribution" under first sale doctrine). &nbsp;Unfortunately, it can be so hard to find affordable pretty jewelry in fandoms that aren't "in" at a given time, that I've bought jewelry that probably wasn't licensed just because I hadn't found anything else I liked as much from any known retailer. :-/<br /><br /><b>5. DIY</b><br /><b><br /></b>Okay, so this isn't a place to shop...but I'm a big fan of making my own stuff! &nbsp;I've dabbled in jewelry-making, so I have quite a stash of stuff I've made myself rather than buying unlicensed (personal use without monetary gain is an exception from copyright law). &nbsp;And while I do a lot of sewing, I haven't made my own geeky clothes yet (though I did make a black dress to wear with my store-bought Star Wars leggings--and then, of course, there's cosplay...I'd like to start making some everyday cosplay pieces myself), but I have a friend who doesn't wear tees but buys geeky ones anyway and alters them into dresses or cuts out the design to add to something else. &nbsp;When you can't find exactly what you want, there are often ways to <i>make</i>&nbsp;what you want instead, if you have the skill for it!<br /><br /><b>So where do you like to shop for geeky gear?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-83494752089562462652016-03-11T11:23:00.001-08:002016-03-11T11:37:52.476-08:005 Fandom Friday: Favorite Fictional Foods.I'm back for another <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a>! &nbsp;This week's prompt is favorite fictional foods, which is an interesting one for a picky eater like myself--sometimes I daydream about liking ordinary things like hamburgers, so in my world, "a tasty hamburger" is sort of like a fictional food. :-P<br /><br />But there are a few foods I've come across in books (and film) that I'd really like to try, and hope I'd love, so let's get to those ones, shall we?<br /><br /><b>1. Lembas - Elvish waybread ("The Lord of the Rings")</b><br /><b><br /></b>One small bite can fill the stomach of a grown man!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://briellecostumes.typepad.com/.a/6a0134804df3cb970c015392eb7aa2970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://briellecostumes.typepad.com/.a/6a0134804df3cb970c015392eb7aa2970b-800wi" height="132" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lembas.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've wanted to try lembas since I first read the books in high school. &nbsp;Bread is one of the few foods I <i>do</i>&nbsp;really like, and lembas sounds awesome.<br /><br />There are a lot of recipes online to try it, but I haven't yet. &nbsp;I stumbled on <a href="http://apinchadash.com/2013/12/09/the-hobbit-lembas-bread/">this one</a>&nbsp;(pictured below) just today, though, and it's so simple that I think I'll need to try it soon!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://apinchadashblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/dscn7861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://apinchadashblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/dscn7861.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic from <a href="http://apinchadash.com/2013/12/09/the-hobbit-lembas-bread/">this recipe</a>--check it out! :-)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'll still always daydream about trying the real thing, though. ;-)<br /><b><br /></b><b>2. Butterbeer ("Harry Potter")</b><br /><b><br /></b>Doesn't every Potterhead want to head to The Three Broomsticks for a hot mug of butterbeer?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2014/10/07/956/n/1922195/16fd93517c1952be_harry-potter-butterbeer.xxxlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2014/10/07/956/n/1922195/16fd93517c1952be_harry-potter-butterbeer.xxxlarge.jpg" height="167" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterbeer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I finally went to Universal Studios in Orlando a few months ago (or "Harry Potter World", as I call it), and got to try the closest thing to the real deal that we muggles will ever get. &nbsp;Hot was good, but the frozen version was one of the best things I have ever tasted in my life.<br /><b><br /></b><b>3. Turkish Delight ("The Chronicles of Narnia")</b><br /><b><br /></b>I know this one's not actually fictitious, but it makes my list because I thought for years that it was a made-up thing from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BS5rWtDb31k/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BS5rWtDb31k/hqdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkish Delight. (THIS was the movie version that I grew up on. &nbsp;Love the new one, but this right here is my childhood!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It seemed like such a magical thing. &nbsp;And if it was enough to get Edmund to betray his siblings to the White Witch, it <i>had </i>to be good, right?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feedingmyfolks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Turkish-Delight-290x290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://feedingmyfolks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Turkish-Delight-290x290.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkish Delight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So then I found out it was a real thing, and then I FOUND SOME in a store, and bought it, and I was SO EXCITED! &nbsp;Turns out, it's absolutely disgusting. &nbsp;Or at least the rose- and lemon-flavored ones are. &nbsp;I've heard there are other flavors, so maybe some of those are better, but I'm not sure I'll have the courage to try it again if I ever find another kind.<br /><br />So to me, this one's still kind of fictitious: delicious Turkish Delight.<br /><b><br /></b><b>4. District Bread ("The Hunger Games")</b><br /><b><br /></b>As I mentioned above, bread is one of my favorite foods, so any time a book makes a big deal about some sort of bread, I start drooling. &nbsp;And bread is central to "The Hunger Games". &nbsp;I wanted to try <i>all</i> the districts' breads!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHVej5o00FI/VkbPVjzTE7I/AAAAAAAADLk/RDPi19Io-nIkngaNdTx8cLLVHBlTOGINw/s1600/DistrictsPin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHVej5o00FI/VkbPVjzTE7I/AAAAAAAADLk/RDPi19Io-nIkngaNdTx8cLLVHBlTOGINw/s640/DistrictsPin.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District Bread (post series <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-hunger-games-district-bread-series.html">here</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><br />...So I did! &nbsp;Last year, I tackled a project I'd been wanting to try since I first read the books: I researched each district, and used what Suzanne Collins wrote about the few breads she described along with what we knew of the districts, and came up with a bread recipe to represent each one. &nbsp;While some are a bit of a stretch, I strove for accuracy for the ones that Collins <i>did </i>describe--I'm especially proud of my District 11 bread, and I think District 4 turned out pretty well, too. :-) &nbsp;So while I'd still love to know what Collins would consider "the real thing" for each district, I think I did all right! ;-) (You can find the master list, with links to each individual recipe post, <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-hunger-games-district-bread-series.html">here</a>.)<br /><b><br /></b><b>5. Mudder's Milk ("Firefly")</b><br /><b><br /></b>As Jayne explains it, "All the protein, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus fifteen percent alcohol!"<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/image/776320/size/tl-horizontal_main/from-dharma-to-duff-we-power-rank-the-14-greatest-tv-beers-of-all-time" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/image/776320/size/tl-horizontal_main/from-dharma-to-duff-we-power-rank-the-14-greatest-tv-beers-of-all-time" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mudder's milk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Although Simon goes on to explain that it's basically "liquid bread", like what was fed to the ancient Egyptians' slaves, I'm fairly certain this is one "bread" that I'd actually hate. &nbsp;But I'd still want to try it! &nbsp;Besides, "A Man They Called Jayne" is really a great drinking song, right? &nbsp;Seemed to go over well in Jaynestown, anyway. :-)<br /><br />Might just need to wash it down with some butterbeer. ;-)<br /><br /><b>So what are some fictional foods you wish you could try?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-82517228072050865612015-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:002015-11-20T16:17:43.562-08:00The Hunger Games: District Bread Series.Bread plays an important role in "The Hunger Games" trilogy. &nbsp;The country's name "Panem" comes from the Latin phrase "<i>panem et circenses</i>"--"bread and circuses", referring to a strategy of keeping the masses distractedly content with an abundance of food and entertainment--and while the Games serve as the circuses, bread itself becomes symbolic of the oppression of the districts. &nbsp;Amidst the starvation of the districts, bread is crucial for survival.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHVej5o00FI/VkbPVjzTE7I/AAAAAAAADLg/rU7Ug6NTaW8/s1600/DistrictsPin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHVej5o00FI/VkbPVjzTE7I/AAAAAAAADLg/rU7Ug6NTaW8/s640/DistrictsPin.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /><div>Suzanne Collins, author of "The Hunger Games" trilogy, makes a point of noting (several times throughout the series) that each district has their own unique traditional bread. &nbsp;While she only describes five of the twelve (Districts 2, 3, 4, 11, and 12), it's clear that these breads reflect the people and lifestyle of each district. &nbsp;So I thought it would be an interesting experiment to explore what we know of each district and try to create a bread to represent each one. &nbsp;Now that I've finally finished the series, I've put together a master list for your convenience--follow the links below to each full recipe. &nbsp;(Also: I've hidden Easter eggs--references to other fandoms outside of Panem--in each main photo, just for fun! &nbsp;There are twenty total, from fifteen fandoms.)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you try any of these, or throw any epic "Hunger Games" parties, I'd love to hear about it! &nbsp;May the odds be ever in your favor--and let the Games begin! :-)<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>District 1: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">Chocoloate Brioche Rolls</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Luxury items for Capitol.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4w_XoBdwys/VkbPP6W20ZI/AAAAAAAADKE/eowMPR2I8kk/s1600/D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4w_XoBdwys/VkbPP6W20ZI/AAAAAAAADKE/eowMPR2I8kk/s640/D1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /><b><br /></b><b>District 2: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-2-cinnamon-oatmeal-scones-with.html">Cinnamon Oatmeal Scones</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Masonry. &nbsp;Also supplies Peacekeepers and weaponry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNBBDsx6Jv0/VkbPROMGm1I/AAAAAAAADKg/glbLE-6TTwg/s1600/D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNBBDsx6Jv0/VkbPROMGm1I/AAAAAAAADKg/glbLE-6TTwg/s640/D2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 3: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/06/district-3-plain-beignets.html">Plain Beignets</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Technology, such as general electronics, firearms, and automobiles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_rQM7gEt0Q/VkbPREEy3hI/AAAAAAAADKc/g5lH0KbMpQk/s1600/D3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_rQM7gEt0Q/VkbPREEy3hI/AAAAAAAADKc/g5lH0KbMpQk/s640/D3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 4: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/06/district-4-seaweed-soft-pretzels.html">Seaweed Soft Pretzels</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Fishing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fG1AqplxBQ4/VkbPRhULPJI/AAAAAAAADKo/1UR9LX0GemY/s1600/D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fG1AqplxBQ4/VkbPRhULPJI/AAAAAAAADKo/1UR9LX0GemY/s640/D4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 5: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/07/district-5-pizza-bread.html">Pizza Bread</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Power (electric, solar, wind, etc.).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQqCzt7AFPY/VkbPR0WAXjI/AAAAAAAADKw/0DGkSDr4Iz0/s1600/D5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQqCzt7AFPY/VkbPR0WAXjI/AAAAAAAADKw/0DGkSDr4Iz0/s640/D5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 6: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/10/district-6-lemon-rosemary-thyme-focaccia.html">Lemon, Rosemary, and Thyme Focaccia</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Transportation (trains and hovercrafts).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B73psfgeX4U/VkbPSPo8lYI/AAAAAAAADK4/hkvJIt2N5BM/s1600/D6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B73psfgeX4U/VkbPSPo8lYI/AAAAAAAADK4/hkvJIt2N5BM/s640/D6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 7: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/10/district-7-garlic-herb-cheesy-pull.html">Garlic Herb Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Lumber.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCKf8vjfg0A/VkbPSrxsWHI/AAAAAAAADLA/nbMLVtXi8ts/s1600/D7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCKf8vjfg0A/VkbPSrxsWHI/AAAAAAAADLA/nbMLVtXi8ts/s640/D7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 8: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-8-garlic-naan.html">Garlic Naan</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Textiles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMgeYf624uk/VkbPTPaqX_I/AAAAAAAADLM/tY9BMsOTKgE/s1600/D8%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMgeYf624uk/VkbPTPaqX_I/AAAAAAAADLM/tY9BMsOTKgE/s640/D8%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 9: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-9-whole-grain-cornbread.html">Whole Grain Cornbread</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Grain.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSuE3gwrW3Y/VkbPTelgLBI/AAAAAAAADLU/iymosyy7bIg/s1600/D9%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSuE3gwrW3Y/VkbPTelgLBI/AAAAAAAADLU/iymosyy7bIg/s640/D9%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 10: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-10-bacon-cheddar-biscuits.html">Bacon Cheddar Biscuits</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Livestock.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-vb3aAxipQ/VkbPP-JBNOI/AAAAAAAADKA/Ww4vSDi6UvA/s1600/D10%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-vb3aAxipQ/VkbPP-JBNOI/AAAAAAAADKA/Ww4vSDi6UvA/s640/D10%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 11: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-11-whole-wheat-crescent-rolls.html">Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Agriculture (orchards, grain, cotton, etc.).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0eK-lYjqj4/VkbPPycLrBI/AAAAAAAADKI/1Rsn-ncaggU/s1600/D11%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0eK-lYjqj4/VkbPPycLrBI/AAAAAAAADKI/1Rsn-ncaggU/s640/D11%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>District 12: <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-12-tessera-drop-biscuits.html">Tessera Drop Biscuits</a>.</b><br />Primary industry: Coal mining.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNs-wTsLCd8/VkbPQ1mMYfI/AAAAAAAADKY/bnSVk_OFRgY/s1600/D12%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNs-wTsLCd8/VkbPQ1mMYfI/AAAAAAAADKY/bnSVk_OFRgY/s640/D12%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />While I've thoroughly enjoyed working on this entire series, there are a few breads that I enjoyed more than others, so here's a quick run-down of what stood out to me:<br /><br /><b>Favorite: </b>Pizza Bread (District 5). &nbsp;<i>Soooo. Goooood.</i>&nbsp; I made it twice that week. &nbsp;Will <i>definitely</i>&nbsp;make it again. &nbsp;And again. &nbsp;And again.<br /><br /><b>Least favorite:</b>&nbsp; Lemon, Rosemary, and Thyme Focaccia (District 6). &nbsp;The bread itself was probably quite good, but I actually hate rosemary, so to me it just tasted like I was eating a Christmas tree. &nbsp;Blech.<br /><br /><b>Weirdest:</b>&nbsp;Seaweed Soft Pretzels (District 4). &nbsp;It was my first time cooking with seaweed, and I'm not sure I'll ever try it again. &nbsp;But the pretzels turned out surprisingly edible, and even tasted good!<br /><br /><b>Easiest:</b>&nbsp;Tessera Drop Biscuits (District 12). &nbsp;Only a few ingredients, thrown together in a single bowl, and baked right away without needing dough to rise.<br /><br /><b>Hardest:</b>&nbsp;Garlic Naan (District 8). &nbsp;Though it required two different rising periods (which is a pain to schedule around when you have a narrow window to photograph the finished product--I had to time it just right to be done during my kids' naptime!), it actually wasn't the hardest to prepare...but the logistics of grilling it (outside during naptime) was a pain--and then I got chased off by a bee! *Shudder*. I. Hate. Bees.<br /><br /><b>Most accurate:</b>&nbsp;Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls (District 11). &nbsp;Of the five breads that Collins described in the books, I think this was the one that came out exactly how the vast majority of readers would have pictured it. &nbsp;It was important to me to get this one right, too, since it was Rue's bread.<br /><br />Thanks for checking out my District Bread series! &nbsp;I'd love to hear how your own geeky baking adventures go--let me know in the comments! :-)</div></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-70477197637935060902015-11-13T20:26:00.000-08:002015-11-13T20:26:10.996-08:00District 12: Tessera Drop Biscuits.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><i><br /></i>The final district under the Capitol's rule, District 12's primary industry is coal mining. &nbsp;As the home of Katniss, it's the district we get to know best in the books. &nbsp;Extremely impoverished, most of the district's residents claim "tesserae", a year's worth of grain and oil per person in exchange for additional entries into the annual reaping for the Games. &nbsp;Katniss describes the District 12 bread as "ugly drop biscuits" made from the tessera ration grain.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KY2urLEjt0/Vkaryt0_gdI/AAAAAAAADIk/ONOKnQaYRQI/s1600/D12%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KY2urLEjt0/Vkaryt0_gdI/AAAAAAAADIk/ONOKnQaYRQI/s640/D12%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 12: Tessera Drop Biscuits.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made changes to <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/easy-drop-biscuits">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><br /><ul><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 Tbsp baking powder</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>1 cup whole milk</li><li>1 stick (1/2 cup)&nbsp;+ 2 Tbsp butter, melted (separately)</li><li>1 Tbsp dried oregano</li><li>1/2 tsp garlic salt</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfVkTklTHi0/VkarwwqTqzI/AAAAAAAADHY/d8p5IAIZbkM/s1600/20151113_122002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfVkTklTHi0/VkarwwqTqzI/AAAAAAAADHY/d8p5IAIZbkM/s1600/20151113_122002.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 400*F. &nbsp;In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and stick of melted butter:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeYs7ixmn30/Vkarwy_DxWI/AAAAAAAADHU/opl4djgVj3w/s1600/20151113_122519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeYs7ixmn30/Vkarwy_DxWI/AAAAAAAADHU/opl4djgVj3w/s1600/20151113_122519.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix until thoroughly moistened:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWr7MR82TJY/VkarwyP-avI/AAAAAAAADHQ/4DIaBPYHc-U/s1600/20151113_122701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWr7MR82TJY/VkarwyP-avI/AAAAAAAADHQ/4DIaBPYHc-U/s1600/20151113_122701.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Grease a baking sheet with butter (or with cooking spray):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiwcLlG8KWs/VkarxH6RvoI/AAAAAAAADHc/uf48Khs_1vU/s1600/20151113_122817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiwcLlG8KWs/VkarxH6RvoI/AAAAAAAADHc/uf48Khs_1vU/s1600/20151113_122817.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With a spoon, "drop" mounds of dough onto the baking sheet:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZko5eC4wS8/VkarxN1nnUI/AAAAAAAADHg/beouhxOyhdU/s1600/20151113_123013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZko5eC4wS8/VkarxN1nnUI/AAAAAAAADHg/beouhxOyhdU/s1600/20151113_123013.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(I used a second spoon to scrape each spoonful off more easily.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hioyr0DXW0k/VkarxcBsTZI/AAAAAAAADHk/opH1TMsFCCM/s1600/20151113_123215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hioyr0DXW0k/VkarxcBsTZI/AAAAAAAADHk/opH1TMsFCCM/s1600/20151113_123215.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bake at 400*F for ten minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqYfPvbPW7c/Vkarxb8ohlI/AAAAAAAADHo/PTB6P3ceAto/s1600/20151113_123242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqYfPvbPW7c/Vkarxb8ohlI/AAAAAAAADHo/PTB6P3ceAto/s1600/20151113_123242.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While the biscuits bake, melt the other 2 Tbsp of butter, and add the oregano and garlic salt:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DcSd8PBg7Q/VkarxeuMHnI/AAAAAAAADHs/olWq8OkxViU/s1600/20151113_123847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DcSd8PBg7Q/VkarxeuMHnI/AAAAAAAADHs/olWq8OkxViU/s1600/20151113_123847.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix well:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrbQ8V6Xy0g/Vkarxj7eJwI/AAAAAAAADHw/l3_exC668HI/s1600/20151113_124016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrbQ8V6Xy0g/Vkarxj7eJwI/AAAAAAAADHw/l3_exC668HI/s1600/20151113_124016.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remove the biscuits from the oven...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZXg5aM8Cy4/VkarxswQHoI/AAAAAAAADH0/m8jYJ1DEigw/s1600/20151113_124309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZXg5aM8Cy4/VkarxswQHoI/AAAAAAAADH0/m8jYJ1DEigw/s1600/20151113_124309.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and brush them with the oregano mixture:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maugjde4MYU/VkarxhTdoDI/AAAAAAAADH4/yb08qyqtJHg/s1600/20151113_124616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maugjde4MYU/VkarxhTdoDI/AAAAAAAADH4/yb08qyqtJHg/s1600/20151113_124616.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bake the biscuits for another 8-10 minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu4lB0OU8Y4/Vkarxw4pAOI/AAAAAAAADH8/QJfKzgeJeWQ/s1600/20151113_124648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu4lB0OU8Y4/Vkarxw4pAOI/AAAAAAAADH8/QJfKzgeJeWQ/s1600/20151113_124648.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remove when edges turn golden brown:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0BK3Jxx_40/Vkarx8OxjCI/AAAAAAAADIA/efkVb1Jnex0/s1600/20151113_130118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0BK3Jxx_40/Vkarx8OxjCI/AAAAAAAADIA/efkVb1Jnex0/s1600/20151113_130118.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Serve warm:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4E4o6AoI2k/Vkarx2Qz1dI/AAAAAAAADIE/Lok5JLcX_LI/s1600/20151113_130310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4E4o6AoI2k/Vkarx2Qz1dI/AAAAAAAADIE/Lok5JLcX_LI/s1600/20151113_130310.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I think these drop biscuits were a great bread to end this series on--not only were they <i>gloriously</i> easy to make (I didn't&nbsp;have to set aside an entire day to schedule waiting for dough to rise to perfectly coincide with being able to photograph the finished bread during my kids' naptime!!), but they were quite yummy, too (I haven't always liked the others). &nbsp;They might have been more book-accurate if I'd kept them plain instead of adding the oregano topping, or if I'd used darker whole grain flour, but I wanted to end with something I'd actually want to eat myself, yet without contradicting Suzanne Collins' description in the books. &nbsp;I think I did all right. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVyiRz9UUis/VkaryBlIqwI/AAAAAAAADII/hJNd4omD_zw/s1600/20151113_140640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVyiRz9UUis/VkaryBlIqwI/AAAAAAAADII/hJNd4omD_zw/s1600/20151113_140640.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And for your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Drop Biscuits</b></div><div></div><br /><ul><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 Tbsp baking powder</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>1 cup whole milk</li><li>1 stick (1/2 cup)&nbsp;+ 2 Tbsp butter, melted (separately)</li><li>1 Tbsp dried oregano</li><li>1/2 tsp garlic salt</li></ul><ol><li>Preheat oven to 400*F.</li><li>Combine flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and stick of butter; mix well.</li><li>Drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased baking sheet.</li><li>Bake 10 minutes.</li><li>Combine 2 Tbsp melted butter, oregano, and garlic salt. &nbsp;Brush onto biscuits.</li><li>Bake an additional 8-10 minutes.</li></ol><div><br /></div><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This final post contains one last Easter egg in the main photo. &nbsp;Find it yet?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KY2urLEjt0/Vkaryt0_gdI/AAAAAAAADIk/ONOKnQaYRQI/s1600/D12%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KY2urLEjt0/Vkaryt0_gdI/AAAAAAAADIk/ONOKnQaYRQI/s640/D12%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 12: Tessera Drop Biscuits. &nbsp;Can you spot the Easter egg?</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Hint: It's not the Mockingjay pin--like the rest, it's from a different fandom! &nbsp;If you want to spot it yourself, don't scroll too far...since this is the last post in the series, I'm including the District 12 reveal at the end of the post (after the District 11 reveal, below)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Were you able to "detect" the District 11 Easter egg? &nbsp;Here's the reveal:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jHAiSgUOLM/VkazMDD7oyI/AAAAAAAADJY/9XGFGDZQfIo/s1600/Easter%2BEggs%2BD11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jHAiSgUOLM/VkazMDD7oyI/AAAAAAAADJY/9XGFGDZQfIo/s640/Easter%2BEggs%2BD11.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 11: Easter egg reveal.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The "I O U" carved/bitten into the apple is a reference to Moriarty's apple in BBC's "Sherlock". &nbsp;I know at least one reader caught it, and commented! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>And, since this is the final post in my "Hunger Games" district bread series, it'd hardly be fair to keep you waiting for the District 12 reveal--so here it is:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkRf4u7OMTA/Vka0ZRxk9CI/AAAAAAAADJg/FayaGJH6Pj0/s1600/Easter%2BEggs%2BD12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkRf4u7OMTA/Vka0ZRxk9CI/AAAAAAAADJg/FayaGJH6Pj0/s640/Easter%2BEggs%2BD12.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 12: Easter egg reveal.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>That's the One Ring (<i>Lord of the Rings</i>) tucked between the plate and the coal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for tagging along with me through this district bread series--I've had so much fun finding and baking new breads to represent each district, and it's been a blast staging photographs that both reflect the districts and, through the Easter eggs, pay homage to some of the other fantastic fandoms that so many of us share beyond Panem. &nbsp;If you try any of the district breads for yourself, or throw any epic "Hunger Games" parties, I'd love to hear about it! &nbsp;And, as always: May the odds be ever in your favor! :-)</div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-42975140185975822442015-11-12T13:00:00.000-08:002015-11-13T20:27:15.881-08:00District 11: Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><i><br /></i>District 11. &nbsp;Primary industry: agriculture.<br /><br />Rue's home.<br /><br />I cried when Katniss visited District 11 in the second book. &nbsp;I loved her relationship with Rue in the arena, and the way Rue's district sort of adopted Katniss for what she did for Rue, sending her the bread they'd meant for Rue even after their own tribute had died. &nbsp;For a starving people, it was no small gift, and Katniss noted that it was a first--a district gift to a tribute other than their own. &nbsp;So I really wanted to get this bread, perhaps the most iconic in the series, right, and keep it accurate to Suzanne Collins' description--"made of dark ration grain and shaped in a crescent, sprinkled with seeds"--in the book.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57XaJX0qoLQ/VkTRvz_ZbFI/AAAAAAAADFo/9UBx4LpUM7U/s1600/D11%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57XaJX0qoLQ/VkTRvz_ZbFI/AAAAAAAADFo/9UBx4LpUM7U/s640/D11%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 11: Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made alterations to <a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2012/10/amazing-dinner-rolls/">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><br /><ul><li>1/3 cup water, 110-115*F</li><li>2 1/4 tsp (one packet) active dry yeast</li><li>1/4 tsp&nbsp;+ 1/3 cup sugar</li><li>1 1/3 cups whole milk, 110-115*F</li><li>1 egg, room temperature</li><li>1 1/2 tsp salt</li><li>3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature</li><li>4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour</li><li>Poppy seeds, to taste</li></ul><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_MKfc-1-5g/VkTRsWjn0mI/AAAAAAAADGc/FfA0KN630XE/s1600/20151107_104219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_MKfc-1-5g/VkTRsWjn0mI/AAAAAAAADGc/FfA0KN630XE/s1600/20151107_104219.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, start with the warm water...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z3X9XKQA2U/VkTRsbtZ4TI/AAAAAAAADGY/Nu_fJq1Liv8/s1600/20151107_104734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z3X9XKQA2U/VkTRsbtZ4TI/AAAAAAAADGY/Nu_fJq1Liv8/s1600/20151107_104734.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and add the yeast and 1/4 tsp sugar:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gf0iNigPBQ/VkTRsaaCOGI/AAAAAAAADGg/CRDT9rRklZA/s1600/20151107_104839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gf0iNigPBQ/VkTRsaaCOGI/AAAAAAAADGg/CRDT9rRklZA/s1600/20151107_104839.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whisk to dissolve. &nbsp;Let it stand 5-10 minutes until it foams on top.</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm up the milk, by heating it in a small saucepan or microwaving it in 30-second intervals (stirring before taking temperature):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKo_pjoZhoU/VkTRsoTJZHI/AAAAAAAADGo/YjBUOhjndp8/s1600/20151107_110211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKo_pjoZhoU/VkTRsoTJZHI/AAAAAAAADGo/YjBUOhjndp8/s1600/20151107_110211.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In your mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, warmed milk, rest of sugar, egg, salt, and 5 Tbsp of softened butter:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0ZQthoeYNA/VkTRs6HpbdI/AAAAAAAADFg/WqNtrbWhfXk/s1600/20151107_111517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0ZQthoeYNA/VkTRs6HpbdI/AAAAAAAADFg/WqNtrbWhfXk/s1600/20151107_111517.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whisk thoroughly to mix well:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDk0vwEPLEI/VkTRs0gSJvI/AAAAAAAADGs/g60yYKp4z-I/s1600/20151107_111741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDk0vwEPLEI/VkTRs0gSJvI/AAAAAAAADGs/g60yYKp4z-I/s1600/20151107_111741.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add two cups of flour:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5DIqma5VPM/VkTRsxigJHI/AAAAAAAADF0/exRQZJ4Wzwc/s1600/20151107_112039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5DIqma5VPM/VkTRsxigJHI/AAAAAAAADF0/exRQZJ4Wzwc/s1600/20151107_112039.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZEmHBaR0M4/VkTRtGHE7KI/AAAAAAAADG0/C43KEBLNHno/s1600/20151107_112221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZEmHBaR0M4/VkTRtGHE7KI/AAAAAAAADG0/C43KEBLNHno/s1600/20151107_112221.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Continue adding flour in 1/2 cup increments, mixing well...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN8NqGNM9L0/VkTRtJ2mLZI/AAAAAAAADGw/7skOIK2esj8/s1600/20151107_112323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN8NqGNM9L0/VkTRtJ2mLZI/AAAAAAAADGw/7skOIK2esj8/s1600/20151107_112323.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...until the dough is smooth and elastic, and slightly sticky to the touch:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGd_Wo962ic/VkTRtvK0DgI/AAAAAAAADFA/R92pUkD_LAQ/s1600/20151107_113417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGd_Wo962ic/VkTRtvK0DgI/AAAAAAAADFA/R92pUkD_LAQ/s1600/20151107_113417.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Grease a bowl with a little bit of butter (using the end of a cold stick is easiest):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WowYIwvGZb0/VkTRtQJpQjI/AAAAAAAADG0/FQnl92P2ang/s1600/20151107_113243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WowYIwvGZb0/VkTRtQJpQjI/AAAAAAAADG0/FQnl92P2ang/s1600/20151107_113243.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Transfer the dough into the buttered bowl:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gn8wZqD2gDg/VkTRtsiNEdI/AAAAAAAADGA/-W5iTDLBoK8/s1600/20151107_113648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gn8wZqD2gDg/VkTRtsiNEdI/AAAAAAAADGA/-W5iTDLBoK8/s1600/20151107_113648.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover, and let rise 1 1/2 hours (until doubled in size):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1mQMR58fA0/VkTRtq0RMcI/AAAAAAAADGE/OUvBDME_VHA/s1600/20151107_113808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1mQMR58fA0/VkTRtq0RMcI/AAAAAAAADGE/OUvBDME_VHA/s1600/20151107_113808.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once it's doubled...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLLw-A-QxTg/VkTRt0oq9KI/AAAAAAAADFI/SAcjEFGuwtc/s1600/20151107_133641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLLw-A-QxTg/VkTRt0oq9KI/AAAAAAAADFI/SAcjEFGuwtc/s1600/20151107_133641.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...punch it down:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yBPz_zu0T4/VkTRt1wVj3I/AAAAAAAADGM/pYzpEVqKsSM/s1600/20151107_133700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yBPz_zu0T4/VkTRt1wVj3I/AAAAAAAADGM/pYzpEVqKsSM/s1600/20151107_133700.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(Confession: I love seeing "punch it down" in a recipe I'm about to do...punching things is fun!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Divide the dough in half, and, one at a time, form a ball (...ish) with each half:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALrRo9MkywQ/VkTRuMZY4TI/AAAAAAAADGQ/GtEMvnbRnbo/s1600/20151107_135106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALrRo9MkywQ/VkTRuMZY4TI/AAAAAAAADGQ/GtEMvnbRnbo/s1600/20151107_135106.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On a floured surface, roll it out into a large circle (approximately 12"-14"):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tbKY0-ezmw/VkTRuNxNN8I/AAAAAAAADFc/_w55MixbRig/s1600/20151107_135237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tbKY0-ezmw/VkTRuNxNN8I/AAAAAAAADFc/_w55MixbRig/s1600/20151107_135237.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spread with 2 Tbsp of softened butter (each circle):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_Pyxrus8NU/VkTRubQhijI/AAAAAAAADEY/AJ17x_AKCkM/s1600/20151107_135427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_Pyxrus8NU/VkTRubQhijI/AAAAAAAADEY/AJ17x_AKCkM/s1600/20151107_135427.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cut it into twelve slices (pizza cutter works well):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQAeQlCMvRQ/VkTRuYLOxPI/AAAAAAAADE0/xlyd9nfJNJ0/s1600/20151107_135548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQAeQlCMvRQ/VkTRuYLOxPI/AAAAAAAADE0/xlyd9nfJNJ0/s1600/20151107_135548.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Roll each wedge up, starting from the wide end, to form crescents:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyHEDBV4uUc/VkTRuMduiMI/AAAAAAAADGI/-lvK4w5OtTQ/s1600/20151107_134700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyHEDBV4uUc/VkTRuMduiMI/AAAAAAAADGI/-lvK4w5OtTQ/s1600/20151107_134700.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Butter two baking sheets (or grease with cooking spray):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Dzkjx7iKI/VkTRubu-ryI/AAAAAAAADFk/r1r5hnKS7JU/s1600/20151107_140039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Dzkjx7iKI/VkTRubu-ryI/AAAAAAAADFk/r1r5hnKS7JU/s1600/20151107_140039.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Arrange crescents on the trays:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAG-u-qGze8/VkTRugDqDlI/AAAAAAAADFs/5IIuackkRWI/s1600/20151107_140555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAG-u-qGze8/VkTRugDqDlI/AAAAAAAADFs/5IIuackkRWI/s1600/20151107_140555.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover; let rise an hour to double in size:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqYXwUA0d3I/VkTRuiQPV8I/AAAAAAAADFw/k_Xz_dDLrhc/s1600/20151107_140611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqYXwUA0d3I/VkTRuiQPV8I/AAAAAAAADFw/k_Xz_dDLrhc/s1600/20151107_140611.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After rising:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUTJfx5Ac9U/VkTRupRj1YI/AAAAAAAADE4/PNFtiOr5jQo/s1600/20151107_145004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUTJfx5Ac9U/VkTRupRj1YI/AAAAAAAADE4/PNFtiOr5jQo/s1600/20151107_145004.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 375*F.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here, I experimented with when to add the poppy seeds--I melted the rest of the butter, brushed half of it onto the uncooked rolls, and sprinkled the rolls with poppy seeds, before baking:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wiKWIzOZLk/VkTRu_4ma9I/AAAAAAAADFU/H0hYnQ3gItY/s1600/20151107_145704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wiKWIzOZLk/VkTRu_4ma9I/AAAAAAAADFU/H0hYnQ3gItY/s1600/20151107_145704.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bake 13-15 minutes (until golden brown):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRrvxL4tuu8/VkTRu9mDBAI/AAAAAAAADE8/CBWbfUmEz30/s1600/20151107_150124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRrvxL4tuu8/VkTRu9mDBAI/AAAAAAAADE8/CBWbfUmEz30/s1600/20151107_150124.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(With two trays, I rotated them, top to bottom and vice versa, halfway through.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Fresh out of the oven:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8jiwLNw1E/VkTRuxyf7EI/AAAAAAAADF4/8LPbT1J9LU8/s1600/20151107_151651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8jiwLNw1E/VkTRuxyf7EI/AAAAAAAADF4/8LPbT1J9LU8/s1600/20151107_151651.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the poppy-ed rolls:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCyw1WetT4o/VkTRvMREpjI/AAAAAAAADGU/x0r5HLnzzto/s1600/20151107_151658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCyw1WetT4o/VkTRvMREpjI/AAAAAAAADGU/x0r5HLnzzto/s1600/20151107_151658.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And the plain rolls:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QiOqpmHhhs/VkTRvBlTqwI/AAAAAAAADFY/ZmLKGfCD000/s1600/20151107_151705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QiOqpmHhhs/VkTRvBlTqwI/AAAAAAAADFY/ZmLKGfCD000/s1600/20151107_151705.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...which I buttered (with the other half of the melted butter) and sprinkled with poppy seeds:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU_XIXCWBWw/VkTRvWmO9DI/AAAAAAAADFE/NheM75Z8PSs/s1600/20151107_151839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU_XIXCWBWw/VkTRvWmO9DI/AAAAAAAADFE/NheM75Z8PSs/s1600/20151107_151839.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I liked the poppy-seeds-<i>after</i>-baking version better, both in look and taste. &nbsp;Freshly buttered always tastes better, and I liked the shine the butter gave them, too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XboGwM0je5U/VkTRvela8oI/AAAAAAAADFQ/h9KRM0Z9k-4/s1600/20151107_153503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XboGwM0je5U/VkTRvela8oI/AAAAAAAADFQ/h9KRM0Z9k-4/s1600/20151107_153503.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I think they came out perfectly! &nbsp;Just like Rue would have eaten...</div><div><br /></div><div>And for your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls</b></div><div><ul><li>1/3 cup water, 110-115*F</li><li>2 1/4 tsp (one packet) active dry yeast</li><li>1/4 tsp&nbsp;+ 1/3 cup sugar</li><li>1 1/3 cups whole milk, 110-115*F</li><li>1 egg, room temperature</li><li>1 1/2 tsp salt</li><li>3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature</li><li>4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour</li><li>Poppy seeds, to taste</li></ul><ol><li>Dissolve yeast and 1/4 tsp sugar in warm water. &nbsp;Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.</li><li>In mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, warm milk, egg, salt, and 5 Tbsp butter. &nbsp;Whisk well.</li><li>Add 2 cups of flour; mix well. &nbsp;Continue adding flour in 1/2 cup increments, mixing well, until dough is smooth and elastic, but still sticky to the touch.</li><li>Transfer dough into buttered bowl; cover; let rise 1 1/2 hours (until doubled in size).</li><li>Punch dough down. &nbsp;Divide in half, forming balls of each half.</li><li>On a floured surface, roll out each ball, one at a time, into a large circle (~12"-14"). &nbsp;Spread with 2 Tbsp of butter (each circle). &nbsp;Cut into 12 slices, like pizza.</li><li>Roll each wedge, starting at wide end, into a crescent shape. &nbsp;Arrange crescents on buttered baking sheets. &nbsp;Cover; let rise one hour, until doubled in size.</li><li>Preheat oven to 375*F. &nbsp;Bake 13-15 minutes, until golden. &nbsp;Melt remaining butter; brush rolls with butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As usual, I've hidden an Easter egg--a reference to another fandom--in the main photo!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57XaJX0qoLQ/VkTRvz_ZbFI/AAAAAAAADFo/9UBx4LpUM7U/s1600/D11%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57XaJX0qoLQ/VkTRvz_ZbFI/AAAAAAAADFo/9UBx4LpUM7U/s640/D11%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you catch it! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for the District 10 reveal?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7e8e0vNkPqw/VkT6esVEJUI/AAAAAAAADHA/6Zo4P-HSUiA/s1600/Easter%2BEggs%2BD10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7e8e0vNkPqw/VkT6esVEJUI/AAAAAAAADHA/6Zo4P-HSUiA/s640/Easter%2BEggs%2BD10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's a Ringwraith on horseback (<i>The Lord of the Rings</i>). &nbsp;I'm afraid he doesn't blend in very well....this was one of those weeks that it was tough to come up with what to hide (on my very tight budget, anyway!). &nbsp;Ha! &nbsp;<i>Ash nazg gimbatul....</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you spot the Easter egg this time, or if you try making your own District 11 bread! &nbsp;May the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-12-tessera-drop-biscuits.html">District 12</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-70379260947043410792015-11-09T14:29:00.000-08:002015-11-12T13:02:53.415-08:00District 10: Bacon Cheddar Biscuits.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><i><br /></i>District 10's primary industry is livestock. &nbsp;Their bread is the last of the twelve districts' that Suzanne Collins doesn't describe in the books, so this was my final chance to exercise complete artistic license over the bread pick. &nbsp;So I went with this tasty bacon cheddar biscuit, since it requires byproducts from three different animals--pig (bacon), chicken (egg), and cow (milk, cheese, and butter).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymb8BlBc3dQ/Vj-fkOoST9I/AAAAAAAADBM/VCOHWvDJATA/s1600/D10%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymb8BlBc3dQ/Vj-fkOoST9I/AAAAAAAADBM/VCOHWvDJATA/s640/D10%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 10: Bacon Cheddar Biscuits.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made several changes to <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/bacon-onion-cheddar-biscuits/">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><br /><ul><li>1/2 lb bacon, fried and crumbled</li><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 tsp baking powder</li><li>3/4 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, room temperature</li><li>2/3 cup milk</li><li>1/4 cup vegetable oil</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1 cup shredded cheddar cheese</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84DRVlUj0Qw/Vj-fhxBLhEI/AAAAAAAAC_s/4ptCgxYElTM/s1600/20151102_110710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84DRVlUj0Qw/Vj-fhxBLhEI/AAAAAAAAC_s/4ptCgxYElTM/s1600/20151102_110710.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, fry half a pound of bacon:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrxoKrJHhT0/Vj-fh-kdzPI/AAAAAAAADBE/pFU_B4gNsYQ/s1600/20151102_112201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrxoKrJHhT0/Vj-fh-kdzPI/AAAAAAAADBE/pFU_B4gNsYQ/s1600/20151102_112201.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I cut the slices in half to fit in the skillet better, and fry them in batches.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8Ldk15FgUY/Vj-fiMx2-LI/AAAAAAAADBI/DQPuvppFv88/s1600/20151102_113422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8Ldk15FgUY/Vj-fiMx2-LI/AAAAAAAADBI/DQPuvppFv88/s1600/20151102_113422.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The crispier they are, the easier they will be to crumble once they've cooled; once fried, remove them from the skillet and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGVvKBqhJG0/Vj-ficA2URI/AAAAAAAADCA/3pmYJd0IJl8/s1600/20151102_115421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGVvKBqhJG0/Vj-ficA2URI/AAAAAAAADCA/3pmYJd0IJl8/s1600/20151102_115421.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While the bacon cools, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWSURdJ7Smo/Vj-fiUMtERI/AAAAAAAADCQ/iDBtY8HzbO0/s1600/20151102_115739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWSURdJ7Smo/Vj-fiUMtERI/AAAAAAAADCQ/iDBtY8HzbO0/s1600/20151102_115739.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once mixed, add the butter:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fAb7BDQ3j0/Vj-fi-LLOmI/AAAAAAAADBo/X8RLjl1Qw3E/s1600/20151102_121248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fAb7BDQ3j0/Vj-fi-LLOmI/AAAAAAAADBo/X8RLjl1Qw3E/s1600/20151102_121248.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're fancy enough to own a pastry cutter, that'll come in handy right about now to cut the butter into the flour mixture. &nbsp;If you're cheap like me, just slice it into pieces with your spoon and keep hacking the chunks smaller and smaller as you mix them into the flour:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24iWytFBWbE/Vj-fi6lP0vI/AAAAAAAADBk/aOc5Q3gI0z8/s1600/20151102_121341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24iWytFBWbE/Vj-fi6lP0vI/AAAAAAAADBk/aOc5Q3gI0z8/s1600/20151102_121341.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, and egg:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ekUPUUqbU/Vj-fisBxRUI/AAAAAAAADBY/2EvBT64AhEI/s1600/20151102_120142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ekUPUUqbU/Vj-fisBxRUI/AAAAAAAADBY/2EvBT64AhEI/s1600/20151102_120142.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whisk well to mix:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9q9GUZKFJI/Vj-fihUSqOI/AAAAAAAADCI/cydSMzFBHdg/s1600/20151102_120617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9q9GUZKFJI/Vj-fihUSqOI/AAAAAAAADCI/cydSMzFBHdg/s1600/20151102_120617.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPFprAQg_EA/Vj-fi2xbMRI/AAAAAAAADA4/Tq9mmzL_oZo/s1600/20151102_121209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPFprAQg_EA/Vj-fi2xbMRI/AAAAAAAADA4/Tq9mmzL_oZo/s1600/20151102_121209.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add the milk mixture, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar to the flour mixture:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPyIeEBzJx8/Vj-fjPl3bPI/AAAAAAAADBA/yeTvnFei5tI/s1600/20151102_121537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPyIeEBzJx8/Vj-fjPl3bPI/AAAAAAAADBA/yeTvnFei5tI/s1600/20151102_121537.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Stir thoroughly to combine:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6CSj6iM_J0/Vj-fjP8o0iI/AAAAAAAADBs/SFpqAAWPM74/s1600/20151102_121804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6CSj6iM_J0/Vj-fjP8o0iI/AAAAAAAADBs/SFpqAAWPM74/s1600/20151102_121804.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 375*F. &nbsp;Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rUAmSYxFto/Vj-fjYuII6I/AAAAAAAADA8/-XX0VO-9f_A/s1600/20151102_122249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rUAmSYxFto/Vj-fjYuII6I/AAAAAAAADA8/-XX0VO-9f_A/s1600/20151102_122249.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(I wasn't sure how much they would rise, so I filled most of the cups about 2/3 of the way, and three all the way. &nbsp;They didn't rise much at all, and I didn't think either size was really "better" in the end.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Bake for 20-22 minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQFx1w1EfZ8/Vj-fjWNkUeI/AAAAAAAADBw/9p9vPxm6VT8/s1600/20151102_122319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQFx1w1EfZ8/Vj-fjWNkUeI/AAAAAAAADBw/9p9vPxm6VT8/s1600/20151102_122319.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remove when "golden", and edges have browned a bit:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jdHQdSEBxA/Vj-fjt2cDII/AAAAAAAADB4/dZlOiiAYRK0/s1600/20151102_124949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jdHQdSEBxA/Vj-fjt2cDII/AAAAAAAADB4/dZlOiiAYRK0/s1600/20151102_124949.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let cool on a wire rack:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1GcDh2f9o4/Vj-fjm6ERtI/AAAAAAAADBg/LVG3T8Td6ok/s1600/20151102_125447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1GcDh2f9o4/Vj-fjm6ERtI/AAAAAAAADBg/LVG3T8Td6ok/s1600/20151102_125447.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking back, you know what would have made them even tastier? &nbsp;Brushing them with melted butter while they cool. &nbsp;Because butter, even more so than bacon, makes everything better. &nbsp;(Maybe you can try that and let me know how it goes. ;-) )</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSNmYuZzBy0/Vj-fjoF9iaI/AAAAAAAADB8/pwEjGEceDgk/s1600/20151102_125504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSNmYuZzBy0/Vj-fjoF9iaI/AAAAAAAADB8/pwEjGEceDgk/s1600/20151102_125504.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Serve warm!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNyG2tVj0OU/Vj-fj73EoBI/AAAAAAAADBQ/htR_lhlBeAw/s1600/20151102_145020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNyG2tVj0OU/Vj-fj73EoBI/AAAAAAAADBQ/htR_lhlBeAw/s1600/20151102_145020.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And for your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bacon Cheddar Biscuits</b></div><div></div><br /><ul><li>1/2 lb bacon, fried and crumbled</li><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 tsp baking powder</li><li>3/4 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 cup butter, room temperature</li><li>2/3 cup milk</li><li>1/4 cup vegetable oil</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1 cup shredded cheddar cheese</li></ul><ol><li>Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. &nbsp;Add softened butter and cut to mix in.</li><li>In separate bowl, combine milk, oil, and egg; whisk well to mix.</li><li>Add milk mixture, crumbled bacon, and cheddar to the flour mixture. &nbsp;Mix thoroughly.</li><li>Spoon batter into greased muffin tin.</li><li>Bake at 375*F for 20-22 minutes, until golden.</li></ol><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As always, I've hidden an Easter egg in the main photo. &nbsp;Find it yet?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymb8BlBc3dQ/Vj-fkOoST9I/AAAAAAAADBc/K5pfhrh-22U/s1600/D10%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymb8BlBc3dQ/Vj-fkOoST9I/AAAAAAAADBc/K5pfhrh-22U/s640/D10%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 10: Bacon Cheddar Biscuits. (Can you find the Easter egg?)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Did you spot the one from the photo last time, or did I leave you feeling a little...lost? ;-) &nbsp;Here's the reveal:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhoEh9ffVvc/Vj-lS7N-qSI/AAAAAAAADCc/azle4eWcSRc/s1600/Easter%2Beggs%2B-%2BD9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhoEh9ffVvc/Vj-lS7N-qSI/AAAAAAAADCc/azle4eWcSRc/s640/Easter%2Beggs%2B-%2BD9.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 9: Easter egg reveal.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>4. 8. 15. 16. 23. 42. &nbsp;If you watched "Lost" for any length of time, you should recognize those ubiquitous numbers, which are written on six corn kernels in the photo. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you recognize the Easter egg in the photo this time, or if you make some District 10 biscuits of your own! &nbsp;May the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-11-whole-wheat-crescent-rolls.html">District 11</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-20483601273531270652015-11-07T12:59:00.000-08:002015-11-13T22:20:15.133-08:00District 9: Whole Grain Cornbread.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><i><br /></i>Grain is the primary industry of District 9. &nbsp;Little else is known of the district, and Suzanne Collins doesn't describe their bread, so I went with this produce-laden whole grain cornbread for the bread bowl of Panem.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2k13I59oYc/Vj5Pb-r-IPI/AAAAAAAAC-k/udWK0lHnOVk/s1600/D9%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2k13I59oYc/Vj5Pb-r-IPI/AAAAAAAAC-k/udWK0lHnOVk/s640/D9%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 9: Whole Grain Cornbread.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made some alterations to <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/whole-grain-cornsticks">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><br /><ul><li>3/4 cup whole wheat flour</li><li>3/4 cup yellow corn meal</li><li>3 Tbsp grated Parmesan</li><li>1 1/2 tsp baking powder*</li><li>1 1/2 tsp chili powder</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>3/4 cup&nbsp;+ 2 Tbsp milk</li><li>2 Tbsp olive oil</li><li>2 Tbsp honey</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1 ear corn, kernels cut from cob</li><li>1/4 red onion, minced</li><li>1 jalapeño pepper, minced</li></ul><div>*I used less baking powder than the original recipe called for because I couldn't find corn meal that didn't already have baking powder mixed in...not sure if that's standard or not, but since the original recipe makes no mention of it, I had no idea if that had already been taken into account or if I should leave it out entirely. &nbsp;So I just went with a little less extra than was called for, and it turned out fine with what I used.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWMvja-cPds/Vj5PZVdV7oI/AAAAAAAAC-0/fcxux7oMfuo/s1600/20151023_111005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWMvja-cPds/Vj5PZVdV7oI/AAAAAAAAC-0/fcxux7oMfuo/s1600/20151023_111005.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, corn meal, Parmesan, baking powder, chili powder, and salt:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjkQahDPF2E/Vj5PZfKEeXI/AAAAAAAAC-w/sygw0NOzaKQ/s1600/20151023_111833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjkQahDPF2E/Vj5PZfKEeXI/AAAAAAAAC-w/sygw0NOzaKQ/s1600/20151023_111833.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix thoroughly:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpoAEr38jbE/Vj5PZR71xQI/AAAAAAAAC9s/VAiIfq_1Kec/s1600/20151023_112158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpoAEr38jbE/Vj5PZR71xQI/AAAAAAAAC9s/VAiIfq_1Kec/s1600/20151023_112158.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add the milk, oil, honey, and egg:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CH28QiHKlwg/Vj5PZgM97kI/AAAAAAAAC_E/HlfddG0cgdg/s1600/20151023_112333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CH28QiHKlwg/Vj5PZgM97kI/AAAAAAAAC_E/HlfddG0cgdg/s1600/20151023_112333.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix well, until everything is sufficiently moist:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2d9jkpzM7c/Vj5PZnmQikI/AAAAAAAAC_I/bRQeMSO8qDw/s1600/20151023_112450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2d9jkpzM7c/Vj5PZnmQikI/AAAAAAAAC_I/bRQeMSO8qDw/s1600/20151023_112450.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Prep your produce:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3W0mrb81ko/Vj5PZ6DnZ7I/AAAAAAAAC-4/IjrU3iAivX4/s1600/20151023_112544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3W0mrb81ko/Vj5PZ6DnZ7I/AAAAAAAAC-4/IjrU3iAivX4/s1600/20151023_112544.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After husking the ear of corn, cut the kernels off the cob (I use a shallow pie plate to catch the kernels):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zul7pAeY5g/Vj5PZ3HcHOI/AAAAAAAAC-8/X8_Q2LQvkZ0/s1600/20151023_113200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zul7pAeY5g/Vj5PZ3HcHOI/AAAAAAAAC-8/X8_Q2LQvkZ0/s1600/20151023_113200.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mince about a fourth of the red onion:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HN5AE83TcHQ/Vj5PZw6VEgI/AAAAAAAAC-M/BxHFnU9AF1k/s1600/20151023_114143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HN5AE83TcHQ/Vj5PZw6VEgI/AAAAAAAAC-M/BxHFnU9AF1k/s1600/20151023_114143.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cut the stem end off the jalapeño, slice it into halves or thirds, and cut out the middle with the seeds:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_6G8ALGOPU/Vj5PaArpj4I/AAAAAAAAC9w/LucT4YDT_Eg/s1600/20151023_114606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_6G8ALGOPU/Vj5PaArpj4I/AAAAAAAAC9w/LucT4YDT_Eg/s1600/20151023_114606.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mince what's left:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48ZLUpoEP_Q/Vj5PaHphUZI/AAAAAAAAC-U/PMzFkQdk2Io/s1600/20151023_114950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48ZLUpoEP_Q/Vj5PaHphUZI/AAAAAAAAC-U/PMzFkQdk2Io/s1600/20151023_114950.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's approximately how much you'll end up with of your produce mix-ins:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdwkt0p3Z-s/Vj5PaASRE6I/AAAAAAAAC90/JszgQzGvXgk/s1600/20151023_115535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdwkt0p3Z-s/Vj5PaASRE6I/AAAAAAAAC90/JszgQzGvXgk/s1600/20151023_115535.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note that the cups are not quite full.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Add the mix-ins to the batter:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c135QNmzfw/Vj5PaeoQVlI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/z20By20ATRE/s1600/20151023_115705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c135QNmzfw/Vj5PaeoQVlI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/z20By20ATRE/s1600/20151023_115705.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix thoroughly:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF5onfsBvO0/Vj5PaakxrLI/AAAAAAAAC-c/LtywXCcnSdM/s1600/20151023_115800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF5onfsBvO0/Vj5PaakxrLI/AAAAAAAAC-c/LtywXCcnSdM/s1600/20151023_115800.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 425*F, then preheat your cast iron skillet for about five minutes in the oven:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axwH3DClwWE/Vj5PauBKehI/AAAAAAAAC_A/QN0vjxQ1su0/s1600/20151023_120628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axwH3DClwWE/Vj5PauBKehI/AAAAAAAAC_A/QN0vjxQ1su0/s1600/20151023_120628.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once hot, spray the skillet with cooking spray (or grease with butter):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfNLsyzAU9M/Vj5PakJ8kYI/AAAAAAAAC-g/MhaN33L3UeE/s1600/20151023_121320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfNLsyzAU9M/Vj5PakJ8kYI/AAAAAAAAC-g/MhaN33L3UeE/s1600/20151023_121320.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spoon the batter into the skillet, making sure it fills the entire bottom:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J567cSpyOI0/Vj5Parjv_LI/AAAAAAAAC-E/idUqBhyYpiM/s1600/20151023_121432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J567cSpyOI0/Vj5Parjv_LI/AAAAAAAAC-E/idUqBhyYpiM/s1600/20151023_121432.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bake for 18-20 minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40omJl5OoBU/Vj5Pa3y3nGI/AAAAAAAAC-s/S679Xmnv1ek/s1600/20151023_121522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40omJl5OoBU/Vj5Pa3y3nGI/AAAAAAAAC-s/S679Xmnv1ek/s1600/20151023_121522.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remove when golden brown (or when it looks done...since it looks pretty brown to begin with...) :</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJPKLfEboyo/Vj5Pa4PdpZI/AAAAAAAAC9o/LgtRsjb45wQ/s1600/20151023_123903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJPKLfEboyo/Vj5Pa4PdpZI/AAAAAAAAC9o/LgtRsjb45wQ/s1600/20151023_123903.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remove from skillet immediately, by dumping it ungracefully onto a wire rack:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQo8g52_jRU/Vj5Pa27s4GI/AAAAAAAAC94/8a3x4SziogI/s1600/20151023_124050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQo8g52_jRU/Vj5Pa27s4GI/AAAAAAAAC94/8a3x4SziogI/s1600/20151023_124050.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I figured the safest way to flip it over while keeping it intact was to sandwich it between a second wire rack and flip the whole thing over. &nbsp;It worked:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggsW-HEi2X0/Vj5PbLWJ95I/AAAAAAAAC98/Bjdc0Bvh2PI/s1600/20151023_124137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggsW-HEi2X0/Vj5PbLWJ95I/AAAAAAAAC98/Bjdc0Bvh2PI/s1600/20151023_124137.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Slice and serve!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQlzpQIHiB0/Vj5PbP0tM_I/AAAAAAAAC-A/zDRIfW61Ejk/s1600/20151023_141836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQlzpQIHiB0/Vj5PbP0tM_I/AAAAAAAAC-A/zDRIfW61Ejk/s1600/20151023_141836.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And for your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Whole Grain Cornbread</b></div><div></div><br /><ul><li>3/4 cup whole wheat flour</li><li>3/4 cup yellow corn meal</li><li>3 Tbsp grated Parmesan</li><li>1 1/2 tsp baking powder</li><li>1 1/2 tsp chili powder</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>3/4 cup&nbsp;+ 2 Tbsp milk</li><li>2 Tbsp olive oil</li><li>2 Tbsp honey</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1 ear corn, kernels cut from cob</li><li>1/4 red onion, minced</li><li>1 jalapeño pepper, minced</li></ul><ol><li>Combine flour, corn meal, Parmesan, baking powder, chili powder, and salt; mix well. &nbsp;Add milk, oil, honey, and egg; mix well, until moist throughout.</li><li>Add corn, onion, and&nbsp;jalapeño&nbsp;to batter; mix thoroughly.</li><li>Preheat oven to 425*F; preheat skillet in warm oven for five minutes. &nbsp;Remove; coat hot skillet with cooking spray.</li><li>Spoon batter into skillet, filling all the way to edges. &nbsp;Bake 18-20 minutes (until lightly browned). &nbsp;Remove from skillet immediately. &nbsp;Slice to serve.</li></ol><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Can you find the Easter egg in the main photo? &nbsp;Just one this time!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2k13I59oYc/Vj5Pb-r-IPI/AAAAAAAAC-k/udWK0lHnOVk/s1600/D9%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2k13I59oYc/Vj5Pb-r-IPI/AAAAAAAAC-k/udWK0lHnOVk/s640/D9%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 9: Whole Grain Cornbread. &nbsp;(Can you spot the Easter egg?)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Ready for the District 8 reveal?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aYKubC1KHk/Vj5hxCfDDFI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Cv2xV9Ndj6E/s1600/D8%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aYKubC1KHk/Vj5hxCfDDFI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Cv2xV9Ndj6E/s640/D8%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 8 Easter eggs.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I know at least one was spotted by a reader...I left you with the hint that all three props I've used have been featured elsewhere on my blog. &nbsp;Did you recognize any of them? &nbsp;That's the White Tree of Gondor (LOTR) on a t-shirt (featured in <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/06/5-fandom-friday-fandom-guilty-pleasures.html">this post</a>, under #2) hiding under a thin black scarf (which reminds me of Arwen's veil at Aragorn's tomb, as well). &nbsp;Next is the Sherlock-themed fabric I use for some of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleDragonslayers?section_id=16387187&amp;ref=shopsection_leftnav_5">Etsy products</a>, with a design of yellow smileys on the wallpaper of 221B (featured on the <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/p/etsy.html">Etsy page</a> of my blog, as well as in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleDragonslayers/">my shop</a>). &nbsp;Last is the Musketeer tabard I wore for Halloween several years ago (featured <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/10/5-fandom-friday-characters-i-have.html">here</a>, under #1).<br /><br />Let me know in the comments if you catch the Easter egg this week, or if you try your hand at District 9 cornbread! &nbsp;May the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-10-bacon-cheddar-biscuits.html">District 10</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-23258520887003279082015-11-03T19:48:00.000-08:002015-11-07T13:00:03.004-08:00District 8: Garlic Naan.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><i><br /></i>One of the first districts to rebel against its Peacekeepers, District 8's primary industry is textiles, including clothing. &nbsp;Suzanne Collins doesn't describe their bread, so I went with this simple garlic naan, which would pack well for quick meals between factory shifts.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnEoLRgKZmE/Vjly_eb8mzI/AAAAAAAAC7I/wgcdgrsuwYc/s1600/D8%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnEoLRgKZmE/Vjly_eb8mzI/AAAAAAAAC7I/wgcdgrsuwYc/s640/D8%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 8: Garlic Naan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made some minor changes to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/naan-bread/">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><br /><ul><li>2 tsp active dry yeast</li><li>1 cup warm water</li><li>3Tbsp milk</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1/4 cup sugar</li><li>2 tsp salt</li><li>4-4 1/2 cups bread flour</li><li>4-6 cloves garlic, minced</li><li>1 stick butter, melted</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAsHGyTP8JU/Vjly6ppm4hI/AAAAAAAAC5A/PVWX_er9t3g/s1600/20151019_103938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAsHGyTP8JU/Vjly6ppm4hI/AAAAAAAAC5A/PVWX_er9t3g/s1600/20151019_103938.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, dissolve the yeast in the warm water:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvJoYGhtfM/Vjly6rnrPjI/AAAAAAAAC48/0On4A7B7MJs/s1600/20151019_104107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvJoYGhtfM/Vjly6rnrPjI/AAAAAAAAC48/0On4A7B7MJs/s1600/20151019_104107.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Stir to dissolve, then let stand about ten minutes, until it's bubbly:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syPuSvWpZAQ/Vjly6jPHE-I/AAAAAAAAC44/uE4mXKcMAQg/s1600/20151019_104202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syPuSvWpZAQ/Vjly6jPHE-I/AAAAAAAAC44/uE4mXKcMAQg/s1600/20151019_104202.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In your mixing bowl, combine the yeast water with the milk, egg, sugar, and salt:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZeUhbmdHDY/Vjly6xhKSdI/AAAAAAAAC70/GQmE-vO1uQE/s1600/20151019_104932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZeUhbmdHDY/Vjly6xhKSdI/AAAAAAAAC70/GQmE-vO1uQE/s1600/20151019_104932.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whisk well, then add the flour in 1/2 cup increments:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R83OyAYqa0o/Vjly7CvsviI/AAAAAAAAC5E/-iOPzA0yyVY/s1600/20151019_105328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R83OyAYqa0o/Vjly7CvsviI/AAAAAAAAC5E/-iOPzA0yyVY/s1600/20151019_105328.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix well between each dose of flour:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2b9nOcMlfE/Vjly7FCS1DI/AAAAAAAAC5I/w90FDYpVZ7I/s1600/20151019_105446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2b9nOcMlfE/Vjly7FCS1DI/AAAAAAAAC5I/w90FDYpVZ7I/s1600/20151019_105446.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once a soft dough forms (around four to four and a half cups of flour), continue to mix (or knead, if by hand) for a few more minutes until the dough is smooth:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxZ2HfOrx7g/Vjly7auUbqI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/vvBgHCcrxrk/s1600/20151019_110108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxZ2HfOrx7g/Vjly7auUbqI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/vvBgHCcrxrk/s1600/20151019_110108.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remove dough to an oiled bowl:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtccia3Ksr4/Vjly7v-LDII/AAAAAAAAC5U/XOE6JiBBt4Y/s1600/20151019_111224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtccia3Ksr4/Vjly7v-LDII/AAAAAAAAC5U/XOE6JiBBt4Y/s1600/20151019_111224.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover, and let rise for about an hour, to double in size:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcaEkQjzo2c/Vjly7gR4R9I/AAAAAAAAC5c/9SC9ah93o1c/s1600/20151019_111310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcaEkQjzo2c/Vjly7gR4R9I/AAAAAAAAC5c/9SC9ah93o1c/s1600/20151019_111310.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At some point while the dough rises, prep the garlic:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fcq3pwCepIs/Vjly7_yRE8I/AAAAAAAAC5g/M9SF31Y9G7k/s1600/20151019_113905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fcq3pwCepIs/Vjly7_yRE8I/AAAAAAAAC5g/M9SF31Y9G7k/s1600/20151019_113905.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once the dough has doubled in size...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dawE9zFITJ8/Vjly8DA8xTI/AAAAAAAAC5w/h71wiHFK2HE/s1600/20151019_121344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dawE9zFITJ8/Vjly8DA8xTI/AAAAAAAAC5w/h71wiHFK2HE/s1600/20151019_121344.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...punch it down:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUInuGiSwKw/Vjly8SvhkPI/AAAAAAAAC5o/H3VIKX0MIJQ/s1600/20151019_121414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUInuGiSwKw/Vjly8SvhkPI/AAAAAAAAC5o/H3VIKX0MIJQ/s1600/20151019_121414.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then add your garlic:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSSkoq6TCRs/Vjly82mqQcI/AAAAAAAAC50/v3WL4L-_Qys/s1600/20151019_121504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSSkoq6TCRs/Vjly82mqQcI/AAAAAAAAC50/v3WL4L-_Qys/s1600/20151019_121504.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(I prefer to use my garlic press, rather than unevenly mincing by hand, because I'm bad at mincing...)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oskJf79BS0c/Vjly9DYHKuI/AAAAAAAAC54/7bx8e91vkvQ/s1600/20151019_121555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oskJf79BS0c/Vjly9DYHKuI/AAAAAAAAC54/7bx8e91vkvQ/s1600/20151019_121555.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Knead by hand to mix the garlic evenly throughout the dough:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GykSioqLGxg/Vjly9GRp4NI/AAAAAAAAC58/hdxByu3E4M8/s1600/20151019_121819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GykSioqLGxg/Vjly9GRp4NI/AAAAAAAAC58/hdxByu3E4M8/s1600/20151019_121819.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pinch off small chunks of dough and roll them into balls. &nbsp;Arrange them on a tray:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sj7fyLaid-U/Vjly9QW9G5I/AAAAAAAAC6A/Ydns7w6oMJI/s1600/20151019_122609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sj7fyLaid-U/Vjly9QW9G5I/AAAAAAAAC6A/Ydns7w6oMJI/s1600/20151019_122609.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover, and let rise another half an hour:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKE7DMWjPT8/Vjly9TU9btI/AAAAAAAAC6I/7_pYKx92Cb8/s1600/20151019_122639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKE7DMWjPT8/Vjly9TU9btI/AAAAAAAAC6I/7_pYKx92Cb8/s1600/20151019_122639.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once they've again doubled in size (ish)...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzKuJT2ISzI/Vjly9oA3mFI/AAAAAAAAC6M/2l3AQJteymc/s1600/20151019_140051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzKuJT2ISzI/Vjly9oA3mFI/AAAAAAAAC6M/2l3AQJteymc/s1600/20151019_140051.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...flatten each dough ball, while your grill preheats to high heat:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CL-uPxGCOsM/Vjly9-tsCoI/AAAAAAAAC6U/0kCSNZDOZ38/s1600/20151019_141637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CL-uPxGCOsM/Vjly9-tsCoI/AAAAAAAAC6U/0kCSNZDOZ38/s1600/20151019_141637.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The flatter, the better. &nbsp;Once the grill is hot, throw a few of your dough circles on it:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Vp4qt-8Ko/Vjly-CDv9xI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/vgE0C1d7uhM/s1600/20151019_141733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Vp4qt-8Ko/Vjly-CDv9xI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/vgE0C1d7uhM/s1600/20151019_141733.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When they begin to puff and brown, after two to three minutes (WITHOUT FLIPPING), brush the uncooked side (facing up) liberally with butter:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfMLdjLw2Fo/Vjly-V759mI/AAAAAAAAC6g/svdGaJsX1Pk/s1600/20151019_142605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfMLdjLw2Fo/Vjly-V759mI/AAAAAAAAC6g/svdGaJsX1Pk/s1600/20151019_142605.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then flip each circle, and butter the cooked side:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6yNI62_GSs/Vjly-CuP7GI/AAAAAAAAC6c/--BouJIDTjw/s1600/20151019_142020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6yNI62_GSs/Vjly-CuP7GI/AAAAAAAAC6c/--BouJIDTjw/s1600/20151019_142020.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let the other side cook another two to three minutes, then remove and set aside to cool:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neszpkCV-ew/Vjly-vgH8RI/AAAAAAAAC6o/PGSpuBylNJE/s1600/20151019_144210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neszpkCV-ew/Vjly-vgH8RI/AAAAAAAAC6o/PGSpuBylNJE/s1600/20151019_144210.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I made almost the whole batch before an apparently hungry-for-naan bee chased me off my back porch. &nbsp;(I <i>hate</i>&nbsp;bees. &nbsp;I can handle spiders and snakes and mice, but I have nightmares and panic attacks about bees. &nbsp;Somehow I managed to go back out for three seconds to turn the grill off, but I left the open grill, with the last few naan circles still on it, along with a cookie sheet and a cup of butter, for my husband to take care of once he got home. &nbsp;I'm sure the bee appreciated the all-day buffet I left for him.) &nbsp;Still, I think the plateful turned out pretty well!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIULhSNdljc/Vjly-uCrrtI/AAAAAAAAC6s/N4Ex7Ep_61o/s1600/20151019_151149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIULhSNdljc/Vjly-uCrrtI/AAAAAAAAC6s/N4Ex7Ep_61o/s1600/20151019_151149.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While the naan was actually pretty good, I think the store-bought naan I keep stocked in my freezer is tastier and a lot less work, so I'll probably stick with that. &nbsp;Plus, no bees that way... :-P</div><div><br /></div><div>And for your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Garlic Naan</b></div><div><ul><li>2 tsp active dry yeast</li><li>1 cup warm water</li><li>3Tbsp milk</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1/4 cup sugar</li><li>2 tsp salt</li><li>4-4 1/2 cups bread flour</li><li>4-6 cloves garlic, minced</li><li>1 stick butter, melted</li></ul><ol><li>Dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand ten minutes, until bubbly.</li><li>Combine yeast water with milk, egg, sugar, and salt. &nbsp;Whisk well.</li><li>Add flour in 1/2 cup increments, mixing well, until soft dough forms. &nbsp;Mix/knead a few more minutes, until smooth.</li><li>In oiled bowl, cover dough and let rise one hour (until it doubles in size).</li><li>Once risen, punch dough down. &nbsp;Add garlic and knead thoroughly.</li><li>Pinch off small chunks and roll into balls. &nbsp;Arrange on baking sheet; cover and let rise half an hour (until they double in size).</li><li>Preheat grill to high heat.</li><li>Flatten each dough ball. &nbsp;In small batches, cook dough circles on grill 2-3 minutes, without flipping; when circles begin to puff and brown, brush uncooked side liberally with butter. &nbsp;Flip, and brush butter on cooked side. &nbsp;Let cook another 2-3 minutes. &nbsp;Remove to cool on plate.</li></ol><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Can you find this week's Easter eggs in the main photo?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnEoLRgKZmE/Vjly_eb8mzI/AAAAAAAAC7I/wgcdgrsuwYc/s1600/D8%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnEoLRgKZmE/Vjly_eb8mzI/AAAAAAAAC7I/wgcdgrsuwYc/s640/D8%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 8: Garlic Naan. &nbsp;Can you find the Easter eggs?</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There are three this week, and all three props are featured recognizably elsewhere on my blog, especially if you've followed my non-HG posts over the last few months... ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for the District 7 reveal?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-po5ara0UdzU/Vjl9SbTpA3I/AAAAAAAAC8I/vrrWf11hdeE/s1600/D7%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-po5ara0UdzU/Vjl9SbTpA3I/AAAAAAAAC8I/vrrWf11hdeE/s640/D7%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 7 Easter egg reveal.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The phrase "Bad Wolf", referring to Rose Tyler from season one of the "Doctor Who" new series, is burned into one of the logs, and that's Hermione's wand, from "Harry Potter", wedged between the logs. &nbsp;Both were caught by readers of my last post; good eye, guys! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you catch this week's Easter eggs, or if you try your hand at District 8 naan yourself! &nbsp;May the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-9-whole-grain-cornbread.html">District 9</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-79903612262105375112015-10-23T06:18:00.000-07:002015-10-23T06:39:16.048-07:005 Fandom Friday: Characters I Have Dressed/Will Dress Up as for HalloweenWith Halloween around the corner, this week's <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> prompt, "Characters I Want to Dress Up as for Halloween", is no surprise. &nbsp;However, I'm taking it in a slightly different direction--here are my five favorite Halloween (slash Dragon Con) costumes I've already checked off my list:<br /><br /><b>1. Musketeer</b><br /><b><br /></b>I was seven when Disney's <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108333/?ref_=nv_sr_2">The Three Musketeers</a></i>&nbsp;came out, and I was <i>obsessed </i>with Musketeers after seeing it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://screencrush.com/442/files/2014/02/The-Three-Musketeers.jpg?w=720&amp;cdnnode=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://screencrush.com/442/files/2014/02/The-Three-Musketeers.jpg?w=720&amp;cdnnode=1" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <strike>Three</strike>&nbsp;Four Musketeers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I even got the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040876/?ref_=nv_sr_4">Gene Kelly version</a> for Christmas that year, though the Disney version remained my constant favorite. &nbsp;I never did read the book, but Musketeers have nonetheless always held a special place in my heart ever since. &nbsp;So I was <i>ecstatic</i>&nbsp;to stumble upon a ridiculously good deal on a [kids] Musketeer tabard on Ebay right when I started scrambling for a Halloween costume because I was four months pregnant, had a party to go to, and nothing fit.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifVRA9ND2_c/VimObjq1e_I/AAAAAAAAC4s/9JLxusDYe5k/s1600/Musketeer%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifVRA9ND2_c/VimObjq1e_I/AAAAAAAAC4s/9JLxusDYe5k/s1600/Musketeer%2B01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as a [pregnant] Musketeer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Fortunately, I already had a rapier hanging on my wall (as all the cool people do), so it was an easy costume to throw together with the yoga pants I was wearing exclusively in those days. &nbsp;I just had to make the shirt for it--which has conveniently gotten a good bit of use with my next costume as well...<br /><br /><b>2. Pirate</b><br /><b><br /></b>I read <i>Treasure Island</i>&nbsp;for the first time when I was around seven years old, and I fell in love with it (this was a few months before the Musketeer phase). &nbsp;I essentially trace all my geekiness back to that book--it started my obsession with pirates, and swords, and adventure, which took me on all the rabbit trails of history and fantasy and sci-fi that have come to hold my continued enthusiastic fascination. &nbsp;At some point in early adulthood, I acquired a beautiful cutlass, and I've been collecting bits and pieces for an ongoing pirate costume ever since.<br /><br />Other than a handful of times dressing up as a pirate during my college years, this costume made its debut for Kaylie's second Halloween--she was only eighteen months old, too young to really have much interest in choosing her own costume, so I decided we would both go trick-or-treating as pirates:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL1o0c107c0/VimOcK1v30I/AAAAAAAAC4k/YZq348Zu10I/s1600/Pirate%2B01%2B%252711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL1o0c107c0/VimOcK1v30I/AAAAAAAAC4k/YZq348Zu10I/s1600/Pirate%2B01%2B%252711.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates 2012.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We made it to one house--our kind, familiar neighbors across the street--and Kaylie fell apart halfway up their driveway, sobbing and screaming. &nbsp;Hahaha! &nbsp;So we walked right back home and handed out candy all night instead.<br /><br />The next year, I'd just had Wil four months earlier and we'd moved into a new house just days before Halloween, so it was convenient that she very adamantly insisted that she wanted to wear last year's pirate costume:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qfzMVfdr50/VimOcCJ1X-I/AAAAAAAAC3w/qgExu_eFNDM/s1600/Pirate%2B02%2B%252712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qfzMVfdr50/VimOcCJ1X-I/AAAAAAAAC3w/qgExu_eFNDM/s1600/Pirate%2B02%2B%252712.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate 2013.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />However, amidst all the craziness, I didn't end up dressing up with her. &nbsp;But we made up for it next year, with family costumes:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ4xxzCWcR8/VimOcfes6EI/AAAAAAAAC4g/toClLP_3YeY/s1600/Pirate%2B04%2B%252714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ4xxzCWcR8/VimOcfes6EI/AAAAAAAAC4g/toClLP_3YeY/s1600/Pirate%2B04%2B%252714.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates 2014.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Wil was our pet monkey. :-) &nbsp;Kaylie had finally outgrown her first pirate costume, but she shot down my every costume suggestion and demanded to be a pirate again, only this time she wanted to be a "boy pirate" so she could wear pants (I explained that girl pirates can wear pants, too, but she still called the costume a "boy pirate").<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wm59LEMiKr0/VimOcIBHL_I/AAAAAAAAC3s/LuUr_WCuVoo/s1600/Pirate%2B03%2B%252714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wm59LEMiKr0/VimOcIBHL_I/AAAAAAAAC3s/LuUr_WCuVoo/s1600/Pirate%2B03%2B%252714.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates 2014.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />While we're not planning to continue the tradition this year (she wants to be Anna from <i>Frozen</i>), we did get to break out the costumes again the other day to score some free doughnuts at Krispy Kreme for Sept. 19's "International Talk Like a Pirate Day"--though I left the cutlass at home this time.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hs2RhEPSU1g/VimOcu2V26I/AAAAAAAAC4A/05Aq6nODbx0/s1600/Pirate%2B05%2B%252715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hs2RhEPSU1g/VimOcu2V26I/AAAAAAAAC4A/05Aq6nODbx0/s1600/Pirate%2B05%2B%252715.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates 2015.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Most recently, I found a pirate medallion necklace, a miniature version of the Aztec gold pieces from the <i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i>&nbsp;franchise, on our vacation to Disney World last week. &nbsp;Ever evolving!<br /><br /><b>3. Zoe Washburne</b><br /><b><br /></b>With both my kids named after "Firefly" characters (Wil's middle name is Malcolm), it's no surprise I've dressed up as someone from the show, right?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantdiy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Zoe-Washburne-firefly-serenity-costume-e1344807433614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.deviantdiy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Zoe-Washburne-firefly-serenity-costume-e1344807433614.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe Alleyne Washburne.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was the perfect excuse for me to wear these totally awesome&nbsp;<i>Star Wars</i>-esque boots (most similar to Qui-Gon's) I'd recently found:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDzBv8yCL6k/VimOdLkcQGI/AAAAAAAAC4I/gUNMcM94WQk/s1600/Zoe%2B01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDzBv8yCL6k/VimOdLkcQGI/AAAAAAAAC4I/gUNMcM94WQk/s1600/Zoe%2B01.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Me as Zoe Washburne.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />But, really, the costume started with my very favorite baby shower gift ever, these adorable Kaylee coveralls a friend made for our Kaylie:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2ai2j68aLw/VimOd0yhOGI/AAAAAAAAC4U/lpmfuSO1DHo/s1600/Zoe%2B02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2ai2j68aLw/VimOd0yhOGI/AAAAAAAAC4U/lpmfuSO1DHo/s1600/Zoe%2B02.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaylie as Kaylee.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was perfect for her first Halloween! &nbsp;So, naturally, I threw together Zoe and Wash costumes for my husband and I to match for our first Halloween as a family:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkTcE72OIMw/VimOeBvr7uI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/R1-qUTdiNfo/s1600/Zoe%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkTcE72OIMw/VimOeBvr7uI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/R1-qUTdiNfo/s1600/Zoe%2B03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All we need now is a Firefly!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />(I even went all-out that year and did a "Firefly" pumpkin carve--I posted the stencil I drew up for it <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/10/our-firefly-halloween-plus-free-firefly.html">here</a>.)<br /><br /><b>4. Rose Tyler</b><br /><b><br /></b>This year, I'll be accompanying my little Princess Anna while dressed as Rose Tyler.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://essieofwho.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dw110-0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://essieofwho.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dw110-0008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ninth Doctor &amp; Rose Tyler.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have the costume all together already, since my hubby and I cosplayed as Nine and Rose at Dragon Con this year (I'm so behind on life, I haven't even posted about DC yet!).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKO90yrI_Mo/VimOdLxYswI/AAAAAAAAC4c/oBVdFJao5dg/s1600/Rose%2B02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKO90yrI_Mo/VimOdLxYswI/AAAAAAAAC4c/oBVdFJao5dg/s1600/Rose%2B02.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby and me as Nine and Rose.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I figure it's a nice, subtle costume--that other Whovians will appreciate, but other parents won't give me funny looks for. :-P &nbsp;Not that I mind the funny looks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7wY2ZqVPj8/VimOcmDOVrI/AAAAAAAAC34/VYEpuDD9baE/s1600/Rose%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7wY2ZqVPj8/VimOcmDOVrI/AAAAAAAAC34/VYEpuDD9baE/s1600/Rose%2B01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as Rose Tyler.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Allons-y!<br /><br /><b>5. Steampunk Leia</b><br /><b><br /></b>All right, so this one isn't a past or planned Halloween costume...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTMyNTc2MjEyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTEyMTIyMw@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTMyNTc2MjEyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTEyMTIyMw@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Leia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />...but it was my first-ever con cosplay, which I wore to Dragon Con last month:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--B61QLxD6Ns/VimObg6SaHI/AAAAAAAAC4o/vIxL4UoywVA/s1600/Leia%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--B61QLxD6Ns/VimObg6SaHI/AAAAAAAAC4o/vIxL4UoywVA/s1600/Leia%2B01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steampunk Princess Leia (I didn't notice till later that my necklace was backwards...).</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I had this idea for a steampunk version of Princess Leia a few years ago, and I'd actually been working on it ever since we found out four years ago we'd be moving to Atlanta (making Dragon Con a possibility for me to attend). &nbsp;This summer, after officially being done having kids and finally shedding most of the baby weight, I decided it was time to pull the whole thing together in time for DC. &nbsp;I'd bought the corset and boots, but I made the rest--I used a pattern for the shirt, heavily altered a pattern for the skirt, drew up my own pattern for the functional utility belt and detachable holster, added a Rebel symbol to a pocketwatch, made my own Rebel resin-poured necklace, and made the steampunk gun out of a water gun and a pirate pistol (tutorial for the gun <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/07/diy-steampunk-gun-mod.html">here</a>).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZDIUam2m0/VimObqDNnbI/AAAAAAAAC3g/PMyB0s_M3cU/s1600/Leia%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZDIUam2m0/VimObqDNnbI/AAAAAAAAC3g/PMyB0s_M3cU/s1600/Leia%2B02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as Steampunk Leia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was extremely pleased with how the whole thing turned out. &nbsp;Except maybe for the hair...besides accidentally dyeing it orange the month before (long story), I have super thin, fine hair, but I hated the idea of a wig. &nbsp;My hair was actually twisted into two steampunk-ish messy buns, but they don't really show up in head-on shots....But the <i>costume</i>, I was enormously proud of. &nbsp;I intend to continue working on it to wear again next year--and I'm debating wearing it to see <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</i>&nbsp;in theaters. &nbsp;And maybe sometime it'll be see use as a Halloween costume, too. :-)<br /><br />So those are the five "Halloween" costumes I've most enjoyed wearing. &nbsp;Next on my list: <i>Lord of the Rings</i>' Eowyn! &nbsp;<b>What has been <i>your</i>&nbsp;favorite Halloween costume you've worn? &nbsp;Who would you like to dress up as next?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-53259503664275165052015-10-10T13:25:00.001-07:002015-11-03T19:49:49.349-08:00District 7: Garlic Herb Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread.<div><i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i></div><div><br /></div>Home of amusingly belligerent victor-turned-ally Johanna Mason, District 7's primary industry is lumber. &nbsp;Its bread is yet another left un-discussed by Suzanne Collins in the trilogy, so I chose this delicious pull-apart bread--because herbs are like leaves, which are like trees, right? ;-)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMMgwjS9Mco/VhldNhktf2I/AAAAAAAAC2o/OS5XNVEe6wA/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMMgwjS9Mco/VhldNhktf2I/AAAAAAAAC2o/OS5XNVEe6wA/s640/title.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 7: Garlic Herb Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This bread is based on <a href="http://chewtown.com/2014/09/garlic-herb-and-cheese-pull-apart-bread/?crlt.pid=camp.7VBwkhjDZGCL">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><ul><li>4 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1/2 Tbsp dried yeast granules</li><li>1/2 Tbsp salt</li><li>1/2 Tbsp sugar</li><li>1 1/3 cups water, room temperature</li><li>1/2 Tbsp olive oil</li><li>3-4 cloves of garlic, minced</li><li>1/4 cup herbs, chopped (I used basil)</li><li>2 Tbsp butter, softened or room temperature</li><li>8 oz. shredded cheese (I used an Italian blend)</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTvhzy_nRSI/VhldGRgkBUI/AAAAAAAAC1w/KtIgJ4FZC4s/s1600/20151005_094207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTvhzy_nRSI/VhldGRgkBUI/AAAAAAAAC1w/KtIgJ4FZC4s/s1600/20151005_094207.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In your mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Prv4l6nyX3A/VhldGQQL_yI/AAAAAAAAC1g/ukpCctFFvAE/s1600/20151005_100309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Prv4l6nyX3A/VhldGQQL_yI/AAAAAAAAC1g/ukpCctFFvAE/s1600/20151005_100309.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add half the water; mix. &nbsp;Slowly add the rest of the water while mixing:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytf7URRjx4o/VhldGO-qygI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/84hgBmxm57s/s1600/20151005_100442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytf7URRjx4o/VhldGO-qygI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/84hgBmxm57s/s1600/20151005_100442.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You should end up with a nice ball of dough:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFte0Z_JMnk/VhldGk5o7mI/AAAAAAAAC1s/A_2qQGsCrq0/s1600/20151005_100726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFte0Z_JMnk/VhldGk5o7mI/AAAAAAAAC1s/A_2qQGsCrq0/s1600/20151005_100726.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add the olive oil:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MW61XH6wVHo/VhldGgpTgAI/AAAAAAAAC1c/3bFPChTAwBc/s1600/20151005_100849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MW61XH6wVHo/VhldGgpTgAI/AAAAAAAAC1c/3bFPChTAwBc/s1600/20151005_100849.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're kneading it by hand, you may want to move the dough to a floured surface before adding the olive oil. &nbsp;Knead, or mix by stand mixer (if you're cheating like me), until the dough is smooth and elastic:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk7moWvNdmg/VhldG3Qf7PI/AAAAAAAAC2A/QFJYiY7uevs/s1600/20151005_100938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk7moWvNdmg/VhldG3Qf7PI/AAAAAAAAC2A/QFJYiY7uevs/s1600/20151005_100938.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Leave the ball of dough in your bowl:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88_cMURrFL8/VhldGybyqAI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/tKpjhtZR3iY/s1600/20151005_101300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88_cMURrFL8/VhldGybyqAI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/tKpjhtZR3iY/s1600/20151005_101300.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover, and let rise about an hour to an hour and a half (until the dough doubles in size):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_9TNi4MsAA/VhldHAJUNrI/AAAAAAAAC1I/lPI0wpPPjnk/s1600/20151005_101310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_9TNi4MsAA/VhldHAJUNrI/AAAAAAAAC1I/lPI0wpPPjnk/s1600/20151005_101310.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Use that time while you're waiting to prep your mix-ins--chop those herbs and mince that garlic:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seuV9qoln9M/VhldHHiCgUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/dLQxeDq13Ps/s1600/20151005_112948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seuV9qoln9M/VhldHHiCgUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/dLQxeDq13Ps/s1600/20151005_112948.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Shred that cheese, too, unless you went the easy route like I did and bought a bag pre-shredded.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, a word on the herbs: the original recipe called for considerably more herbs than I ended up using. &nbsp;Due to a variety of unfortunate circumstances that prevented me from buying anything but basil, and then kept me from having time to <i>make</i>&nbsp;the bread until bits of the basil had begun to look, erm, questionable...I ended up with less usable herbs than I would have liked. &nbsp;I'd recommend using at least a quarter cup, up to a <i>full </i>cup, of the herbs of your choice. &nbsp;My scant 1/8 cup of basil looks rather sad, and sparse on the finished product....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MopFYQM4I_k/VhldHf7ig_I/AAAAAAAAC1A/fvbdHJfEtFk/s1600/20151005_113545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MopFYQM4I_k/VhldHf7ig_I/AAAAAAAAC1A/fvbdHJfEtFk/s1600/20151005_113545.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Good thing I like garlic and cheese better than I like herbs anyway. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the dough has doubled in size:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMs_b22pHh0/VhldHnrYzdI/AAAAAAAACzc/QgWznaO_3Ew/s1600/20151005_113621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMs_b22pHh0/VhldHnrYzdI/AAAAAAAACzc/QgWznaO_3Ew/s1600/20151005_113621.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...punch it down:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_aPWBPYDeo/VhldHjL-5TI/AAAAAAAAC08/OK5vFPowOjI/s1600/20151005_113639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_aPWBPYDeo/VhldHjL-5TI/AAAAAAAAC08/OK5vFPowOjI/s1600/20151005_113639.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On a flat work surface, roll out the dough in a large rectangle, to about 1/4" thickness:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glsQ7lKQvpA/VhldHxUqUmI/AAAAAAAAC04/kLaZluXBl7c/s1600/20151005_114643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glsQ7lKQvpA/VhldHxUqUmI/AAAAAAAAC04/kLaZluXBl7c/s1600/20151005_114643.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My rectangle ended up being about 14" x 17", to give you an idea of the size. &nbsp;Since you'll be cutting the dough into squares, you want to try to keep the edges as straight as possible--I found that rolling the edges toward the corners helped to keep a regular shape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, spread the butter evenly over the dough:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwTfQe5QhQU/VhldIIqJM9I/AAAAAAAAC00/0MqzMuZuIKM/s1600/20151005_115147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwTfQe5QhQU/VhldIIqJM9I/AAAAAAAAC00/0MqzMuZuIKM/s1600/20151005_115147.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sprinkle evenly with garlic:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmrLmjrhU4c/VhldID5i5aI/AAAAAAAACzo/8LzRS7yH31k/s1600/20151005_115517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmrLmjrhU4c/VhldID5i5aI/AAAAAAAACzo/8LzRS7yH31k/s1600/20151005_115517.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and herbs:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWc55ANcVow/VhldIaiV-2I/AAAAAAAAC0w/v34DW26Mtic/s1600/20151005_115957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWc55ANcVow/VhldIaiV-2I/AAAAAAAAC0w/v34DW26Mtic/s1600/20151005_115957.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then add an even layer of cheese, going right up to the edges:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTKAgzmJqWE/VhldIciXYuI/AAAAAAAACz4/NbOVoCmuxFo/s1600/20151005_120334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTKAgzmJqWE/VhldIciXYuI/AAAAAAAACz4/NbOVoCmuxFo/s1600/20151005_120334.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Take a look at the loaf tins you'll be baking in, and slice the dough into squares that approximately match the height and width of your tin:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CUTbjDpdSI/VhldIxgS1cI/AAAAAAAAC0s/l772ImjmzuA/s1600/20151005_120934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CUTbjDpdSI/VhldIxgS1cI/AAAAAAAAC0s/l772ImjmzuA/s1600/20151005_120934.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Grease your tins (bottom and sides), then, one at a time, turn it on its end and prop it up by your work surface. &nbsp;Stack the squares in the tin:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yXpwEymL_c/VhldI4vU2WI/AAAAAAAAC0c/AnuCzKMTidw/s1600/20151005_121213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yXpwEymL_c/VhldI4vU2WI/AAAAAAAAC0c/AnuCzKMTidw/s1600/20151005_121213.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Top with the cheese that inevitably fell off of your squares as you tried to stack them:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJE5l8BLCO8/VhldJGd3HoI/AAAAAAAAC0E/Nmmj6V6D7xA/s1600/20151005_121547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJE5l8BLCO8/VhldJGd3HoI/AAAAAAAAC0E/Nmmj6V6D7xA/s1600/20151005_121547.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You'll fill two loaf tins:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie6rh_rH9LM/VhldJYKpoQI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/ogQHQ-7JPAU/s1600/20151005_121929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie6rh_rH9LM/VhldJYKpoQI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/ogQHQ-7JPAU/s1600/20151005_121929.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover them and let them sit another 30 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven, and bake at 375*F for 40-50 minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0fVfkTp1nQ/VhldJax5HcI/AAAAAAAAC0U/Dw9LRHqyGGo/s1600/20151005_125615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0fVfkTp1nQ/VhldJax5HcI/AAAAAAAAC0U/Dw9LRHqyGGo/s1600/20151005_125615.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since I had two loaves, I played with the time a bit--the original recipe called for a 55-minute bake time, but they <i>looked</i>&nbsp;done ("golden brown") long before then, so I took one out at the 42-minute mark and left the other in for the full time:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04C62fs7_xY/VhldJwNhR7I/AAAAAAAAC0g/X8hsNfysoz4/s1600/20151005_135046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04C62fs7_xY/VhldJwNhR7I/AAAAAAAAC0g/X8hsNfysoz4/s1600/20151005_135046.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: 55 minutes. &nbsp;Right: 42 minutes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Both were fully cooked through and unburnt, but I liked the under-baked one better of the two. &nbsp;I felt like the other one was a bit overcooked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let the loaves rest in the tins for another ten minutes, then remove to serve warm:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwgGA6PYu6o/VhldKDKyLdI/AAAAAAAAC0o/UqeodFK4xvQ/s1600/20151005_141649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwgGA6PYu6o/VhldKDKyLdI/AAAAAAAAC0o/UqeodFK4xvQ/s1600/20151005_141649.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: 55 minutes. &nbsp;Right: 42 minutes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Some of the pieces "pull apart" more easily than others, but each bite has the same garlicky, cheesy, slightly-basil-ly (use more than I did!) goodness:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cetD1nrm8o/VhldMKNOcjI/AAAAAAAAC2E/5F5IsoGyrRA/s1600/20151005_143920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cetD1nrm8o/VhldMKNOcjI/AAAAAAAAC2E/5F5IsoGyrRA/s1600/20151005_143920.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But don't just take <i>my</i>&nbsp;word for it:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFe8Ihw4HSU/VhldMs-yPvI/AAAAAAAAC2U/68NSinXlvxY/s1600/20151005_155812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFe8Ihw4HSU/VhldMs-yPvI/AAAAAAAAC2U/68NSinXlvxY/s1600/20151005_155812.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This one was <i>definitely</i>&nbsp;Wil-approved. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcFHail9BoY/VhldMq77cdI/AAAAAAAAC2I/Rk23UmCC9l4/s1600/20151005_155729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcFHail9BoY/VhldMq77cdI/AAAAAAAAC2I/Rk23UmCC9l4/s1600/20151005_155729.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Garlic Herb Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread</b></div><div><ul><li>4 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1/2 Tbsp dried yeast granules</li><li>1/2 Tbsp salt</li><li>1/2 Tbsp sugar</li><li>1 1/3 cups water, room temperature</li><li>1/2 Tbsp olive oil</li><li>3-4 cloves of garlic, minced</li><li>1/4 cup herbs, chopped (I used basil)</li><li>2 Tbsp butter, softened or room temperature</li><li>8 oz. shredded cheese (I used an Italian blend)</li></ul><ol><li>Mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. &nbsp;Add half the water; mix, slowly adding rest of water.</li><li>Add olive oil; mix until dough is smooth and elastic.</li><li>Cover dough and let rise 1-1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.</li><li>Punch down. &nbsp;Roll out into large rectangle, to about 1/4" thickness.</li><li>Spread with butter; sprinkle evenly with garlic and herbs; layer with cheese, all the way to edges.</li><li>Cut into squares, to fit loaf tins.</li><li>Grease tins. &nbsp;One at a time, turn tin on its end; stack squares inside to fill tin. &nbsp;Top with any loose cheese. &nbsp;Cover, and let sit for 30 minutes.</li><li>Bake at 375*F for 40-50 minutes. &nbsp;Remove from oven and let rest ten minutes in tins before removing to serve warm.</li></ol><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Can you find this week's Easter eggs (references to other fandoms) in the main photo?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMMgwjS9Mco/VhldNhktf2I/AAAAAAAAC2o/OS5XNVEe6wA/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMMgwjS9Mco/VhldNhktf2I/AAAAAAAAC2o/OS5XNVEe6wA/s640/title.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are two this week! &nbsp;Let me know in the comments if you've caught them. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for the reveal from last week?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q5oQ6UdRJM/Vhlu4HPxQhI/AAAAAAAAC20/K1wU_jWZJhY/s1600/title%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q5oQ6UdRJM/Vhlu4HPxQhI/AAAAAAAAC20/K1wU_jWZJhY/s640/title%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're a Browncoat, the first one was easy--the "hovercraft" was actually Serenity from Joss Whedon's "Firefly" (in fact, the staging was specifically a reference to the second episode, "Train Job"). &nbsp;The second was a little harder to spot--the syringe at the bottom of the photo is labelled "Prozium", which was the name of the emotion-suppressing drug used in the film <i>Equilibrium </i>(underrated sci-fi film starring Christian Bale, which happens to have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqQJOr4Rx5k">one of my two all-time favorite fight sequences</a>--the other is River in the bar in <i>Serenity</i>). &nbsp;I figured morphlings (District 6 is known for widespread morphling addiction) would be just as likely to reuse needles as drug addicts in our current world. :-/<br /><br />Let me know in the comments if you catch the Easter eggs this week, or if you try this District 7 bread! &nbsp;As always, may the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/11/district-8-garlic-naan.html">District 8</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-73702392506821736182015-10-02T23:51:00.001-07:002015-10-10T13:26:07.306-07:00District 6: Lemon, Rosemary, & Thyme Focaccia.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><br />Suzanne Collins only describes five of the twelve iconic district breads, and District 6 is another that she leaves to our imagination. &nbsp;District 6's primary industry is transportation--trains and hovercrafts. &nbsp;They're also known for widespread Morphling addiction, as exhibited by the district's victors in the Quarter Quell. &nbsp;So...not much to go off of to hypothesize what their bread might be like....so I went with this flavorful focaccia.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCy9Kpm8tKc/Vg94nKFcFCI/AAAAAAAACyI/jPqhf5C-hHA/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCy9Kpm8tKc/Vg94nKFcFCI/AAAAAAAACyI/jPqhf5C-hHA/s640/title.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 6: Lemon, Rosemary, &amp; Thyme Focaccia.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I made some minor changes (in quantity and method) to <a href="http://thecafesucrefarine.com/2014/05/lemon-rosemary-thyme-focaccia/">this recipe</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>You'll need:<br /><ul><li>1 cup whole milk</li><li>1/2 Tbsp brown sugar</li><li>1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast</li><li>1 Tbsp (for dough) + 1 1/2 Tbsp (for drizzle)&nbsp;olive oil, plus a little extra as needed</li><li>2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>3/4 tsp salt</li><li>1 tsp (for dough)&nbsp;+ 1/2 tsp (for drizzle) fresh rosemary, chopped</li><li>1 tsp (for dough)&nbsp;+ 1 tsp (for drizzle) fresh thyme, chopped</li><li>lemon zest, from one small lemon</li><li>pinch of red pepper flakes</li><li>sea salt, to taste</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12Jt0shUeSI/Vg9j_v_fUsI/AAAAAAAACxs/NklUTubSykM/s1600/20150919_104402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12Jt0shUeSI/Vg9j_v_fUsI/AAAAAAAACxs/NklUTubSykM/s1600/20150919_104402.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're a geeky mom like me, you may also need some helpers:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0ojwRVwRIo/Vg9j_J74dsI/AAAAAAAACxs/umuApIAMnIU/s1600/20150914_093349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0ojwRVwRIo/Vg9j_J74dsI/AAAAAAAACxs/umuApIAMnIU/s1600/20150914_093349.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My helpers, Kaylie &amp; Wil.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Though keeping them from spilling the ingredients and falling off their chair-stools can be a bit of a distraction. &nbsp;Plus, they're not really all that helpful....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8O1sCOV2MhU/Vg9kHHaBbLI/AAAAAAAACxI/rtmQfZFdDdY/s1600/20150914_095958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8O1sCOV2MhU/Vg9kHHaBbLI/AAAAAAAACxI/rtmQfZFdDdY/s1600/20150914_095958.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div><br />But they're great at "re-ordering" your spices and rearranging fridge magnets (on top of said spices...).</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway. &nbsp;Back to the bread.</div><div><br /></div><div>Combine the milk and brown sugar and heat to 110-115*F:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIenIXH6QKY/Vg9j_ilVK9I/AAAAAAAACuc/wBaodvQpviM/s1600/20150919_105225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIenIXH6QKY/Vg9j_ilVK9I/AAAAAAAACuc/wBaodvQpviM/s1600/20150919_105225.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The original recipe includes microwave instructions for this step, but I wasn't sure citizens of District 6 would <i>have</i> microwaves, so I went for the more authentic method of heating it on the stovetop. &nbsp;But if you want to save yourself a few minutes, no Peacekeepers will come after you for cheating with a microwave.</div><div><br /></div><div>Add the yeast:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-960QVHKCIbs/Vg9j_z4NUjI/AAAAAAAACxw/SRuEbKBPXmM/s1600/20150919_105714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-960QVHKCIbs/Vg9j_z4NUjI/AAAAAAAACxw/SRuEbKBPXmM/s1600/20150919_105714.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Stir to dissolve. &nbsp;Let sit about five minutes, until it's bubbly; add the tablespoon of olive oil.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the yeast activates, prepare your herbs and lemon zest. &nbsp;I use a cheese grater for the zest:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GF8zPloihBo/Vg9j_CqqYbI/AAAAAAAACxs/Np0rBBaP6NA/s1600/20150914_095217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GF8zPloihBo/Vg9j_CqqYbI/AAAAAAAACxs/Np0rBBaP6NA/s1600/20150914_095217.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Confession: when it comes to fresh herbs, I approximate because I'm lazy. &nbsp;Also, I have crappy non-sharp knives, so I don't really "chop" things that are already this small...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpeJNnwgEPA/Vg9kALdtlQI/AAAAAAAACuo/S1L_xX44xec/s1600/20150919_111958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpeJNnwgEPA/Vg9kALdtlQI/AAAAAAAACuo/S1L_xX44xec/s1600/20150919_111958.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, the rosemary and thyme for the dough, and half the lemon zest:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOPHZC-6ErQ/Vg9kAS4lRQI/AAAAAAAACxg/sk1n8UXGS6Y/s1600/20150919_112148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOPHZC-6ErQ/Vg9kAS4lRQI/AAAAAAAACxg/sk1n8UXGS6Y/s1600/20150919_112148.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix; then add the yeast/milk mixture and mix until it forms a soft dough; mix (or knead, if you're working by hand) an additional five minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2pejMZ0RuA/Vg9kAnWPOiI/AAAAAAAACxc/NILhn-yFIiE/s1600/20150919_112733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2pejMZ0RuA/Vg9kAnWPOiI/AAAAAAAACxc/NILhn-yFIiE/s1600/20150919_112733.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I didn't cheat with a microwave, but I totally cheat with my stand mixer, because I haaaaaaate kneading dough by hand. &nbsp;I always manage to screw it up somehow. &nbsp;But I love my mixer...so while I aim to stick with reasonable recipes for these district breads, which can be made by methods likely available to those in each respective district, I'm going to keep using my mixer. &nbsp;Don't send Peacekeepers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ps7KfGPIyt0/Vg9kA9kmc-I/AAAAAAAACxY/KknJuNMqitQ/s1600/20150919_113328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ps7KfGPIyt0/Vg9kA9kmc-I/AAAAAAAACxY/KknJuNMqitQ/s1600/20150919_113328.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once the dough is thoroughly mixed/kneaded, shift it to the side of the bowl and pour a little bit of olive oil into the bottom of the bowl:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CGQxfBRT8Q/Vg9kBGVMPZI/AAAAAAAACxU/68cTzAwc8rI/s1600/20150919_113423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CGQxfBRT8Q/Vg9kBGVMPZI/AAAAAAAACxU/68cTzAwc8rI/s1600/20150919_113423.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Turn the dough until it's lightly greased on every side:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdJXPW_xTZk/Vg9kBUVbcQI/AAAAAAAACxQ/GxrXkA25Jnw/s1600/20150919_113449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdJXPW_xTZk/Vg9kBUVbcQI/AAAAAAAACxQ/GxrXkA25Jnw/s1600/20150919_113449.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it just me, or does this look a bit like a HP mandrake or the Oogie Boogie curled up in my bowl?</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />Cover; let rise about an hour, until the dough doubles in size:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSmrC4yUX5Q/Vg9kBRR3uwI/AAAAAAAACxM/moJ42aJ-8QQ/s1600/20150919_113558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSmrC4yUX5Q/Vg9kBRR3uwI/AAAAAAAACxM/moJ42aJ-8QQ/s1600/20150919_113558.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once it's doubled in size (I forgot to take a picture), punch the dough down:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mIqSvtZPFc/Vg9kB9CSwrI/AAAAAAAACvM/bhy6sIkJXcA/s1600/20150919_123925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mIqSvtZPFc/Vg9kB9CSwrI/AAAAAAAACvM/bhy6sIkJXcA/s1600/20150919_123925.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Coat the bottom of a small baking dish (I used an 8" x 8") with about a tablespoon of olive oil:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiT6EKKedIk/Vg9kBuqPQ8I/AAAAAAAACxE/DPWTS9959Es/s1600/20150919_123840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiT6EKKedIk/Vg9kBuqPQ8I/AAAAAAAACxE/DPWTS9959Es/s1600/20150919_123840.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spread the dough to completely cover the bottom of the dish:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZI0SVdfNCY/Vg9kCIN9m8I/AAAAAAAACxA/hEjP-Z70WmU/s1600/20150919_124109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZI0SVdfNCY/Vg9kCIN9m8I/AAAAAAAACxA/hEjP-Z70WmU/s1600/20150919_124109.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover again, and let rise until it doubles in size again (anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ft2_WVMRZU/Vg9kCZS-KCI/AAAAAAAACw0/L_J9TFwrHvs/s1600/20150919_124129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ft2_WVMRZU/Vg9kCZS-KCI/AAAAAAAACw0/L_J9TFwrHvs/s1600/20150919_124129.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While you wait, start preparing your drizzle. &nbsp;Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon of chopped thyme, the other half of the lemon zest, and the red pepper flakes:</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-KWBlMwV1U/Vg9kCulZLuI/AAAAAAAACww/lK1VQh0ZSgE/s1600/20150919_124423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-KWBlMwV1U/Vg9kCulZLuI/AAAAAAAACww/lK1VQh0ZSgE/s1600/20150919_124423.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, you can refer to the original recipe for microwave instructions, or you can heat the mixture on the stovetop until it just begins to sizzle:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PejXw8kfxEg/Vg9kC0ltMsI/AAAAAAAACws/s9jpBHiFAvE/s1600/20150919_124935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PejXw8kfxEg/Vg9kC0ltMsI/AAAAAAAACws/s9jpBHiFAvE/s1600/20150919_124935.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then set it aside:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7HuRuqNH18/Vg9kDM-tbAI/AAAAAAAACvk/9gQKC6vGp8I/s1600/20150919_125020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7HuRuqNH18/Vg9kDM-tbAI/AAAAAAAACvk/9gQKC6vGp8I/s1600/20150919_125020.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 425*F.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, poke the dough!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoZn7crUBL4/Vg9kDXEblJI/AAAAAAAACwc/ciJdF-Z23ik/s1600/20150919_131734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoZn7crUBL4/Vg9kDXEblJI/AAAAAAAACwc/ciJdF-Z23ik/s1600/20150919_131734.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This part's fun. &nbsp;Use your finger to make indentations roughly an inch deep, about half an inch apart:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9y35ZpPwEKs/Vg9kDtyc_OI/AAAAAAAACwY/JbxrhtB8YOw/s1600/20150919_131820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9y35ZpPwEKs/Vg9kDtyc_OI/AAAAAAAACwY/JbxrhtB8YOw/s1600/20150919_131820.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, use your fingers to smear the drizzle evenly:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QihynHv0SaQ/Vg9kEKuj9bI/AAAAAAAACwI/vYT-2bN3NbE/s1600/20150919_132138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QihynHv0SaQ/Vg9kEKuj9bI/AAAAAAAACwI/vYT-2bN3NbE/s1600/20150919_132138.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sprinkle it with sea salt to taste, and let it sit another 15 minutes. &nbsp;Then bake it about 15-25 minutes, until it's golden brown:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHiCjbh9ZwU/Vg9kEGN5hlI/AAAAAAAACwE/1TCEwmxOsmo/s1600/20150919_133656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHiCjbh9ZwU/Vg9kEGN5hlI/AAAAAAAACwE/1TCEwmxOsmo/s1600/20150919_133656.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once it's properly golden brown, let it cool for about ten minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Unz_zbXOfQY/Vg9kEVEfbWI/AAAAAAAACwA/KZO5jnE_Zgc/s1600/20150919_140717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Unz_zbXOfQY/Vg9kEVEfbWI/AAAAAAAACwA/KZO5jnE_Zgc/s1600/20150919_140717.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You can transfer it to a wire rack until it's ready to serve:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M2QT1wu_PA/Vg9kEkLDNYI/AAAAAAAACwQ/sLtMt_4C7nE/s1600/20150919_141647.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M2QT1wu_PA/Vg9kEkLDNYI/AAAAAAAACwQ/sLtMt_4C7nE/s1600/20150919_141647.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And because I was busy setting up my model train, hovercraft, and Morphling syringe photo props, I totally forgot to take any close-ups of the sliced bread....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLEejKHtBvE/Vg9kFolidrI/AAAAAAAACwk/9IhTSnoaii8/s1600/20150919_142715%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLEejKHtBvE/Vg9kFolidrI/AAAAAAAACwk/9IhTSnoaii8/s640/20150919_142715%25280%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...but if you want to see pretty pictures of the finished product, check out the gorgeous photos from the <a href="http://thecafesucrefarine.com/2014/05/lemon-rosemary-thyme-focaccia/">original recipe post</a>.<br /><br />And for your cut-and-paste convenience:<br /><br /><b>Lemon, Rosemary, &amp; Thyme Focaccia</b><br /><ul><li>Dough:</li><ul><li>1 cup whole milk</li><li>1/2 Tbsp brown sugar</li><li>1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast</li><li>1 Tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra as needed</li><li>2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>3/4 tsp salt</li><li>1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped</li><li>1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped</li><li>lemon zest, from half of one small lemon</li></ul><li>Drizzle:</li><ul><li>1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil</li><li>1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped</li><li>1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped</li><li>lemon zest, from half of one small lemon</li><li>pinch of red pepper flakes</li><li>sea salt, to taste</li></ul></ul><ol><li>In small saucepan (or microwaveable bowl), combine milk and brown sugar; heat to 110-115*F. &nbsp;Add yeast; stir to dissolve; let sit five minutes until bubbly. &nbsp;Add 1 Tbsp olive oil.</li><li>In large bowl, combine flour, salt, and rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for dough. &nbsp;Mix by hand or by stand mixer (dough hook). &nbsp;Add yeast/milk mixture; mix until soft dough forms. &nbsp;Mix an additional five minutes.</li><li>Shift dough to side of bowl; pour a little olive oil into bottom of bowl; turn dough to lightly grease on all sides. &nbsp;Cover; let rise one hour (until it doubles in size).</li><li>Punch risen dough down. &nbsp;Coat bottom of 8" x 8" baking dish in olive oil. &nbsp;Spread dough evenly to cover bottom of baking dish. &nbsp;Cover; let rise until it doubles in size (20-60 minutes).</li><li>Combine drizzle ingredients, minus sea salt. &nbsp;Heat (on stovetop or in microwave), and set aside.</li><li>Preheat oven to 425*F.</li><li>Use fingers to make indentations, about 1" deep and 1/2" apart, all over surface of dough. &nbsp;Spread drizzle evenly over dough, and sprinkle with sea salt. &nbsp;Let sit 15 minutes.</li><li>Bake 15-25 minutes, until golden brown. &nbsp;Let cool 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack until ready to serve.</li></ol><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As usual, I've hidden a couple references to other fandoms in this week's main photo. &nbsp;Can you spot them?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCy9Kpm8tKc/Vg94nKFcFCI/AAAAAAAACyM/5wgsR4pW8Tc/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCy9Kpm8tKc/Vg94nKFcFCI/AAAAAAAACyM/5wgsR4pW8Tc/s640/title.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>There are two this week. &nbsp;Let me know in the comments if you catch them!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for the reveal from last time? &nbsp;(Sorry to keep you hanging for so long--it's been a while since I posted District 5!!) &nbsp;Here it is!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fswax9-mQyY/Vg91Pf6C21I/AAAAAAAACx8/h4fkL8i-YiY/s1600/D5%2BTitle%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fswax9-mQyY/Vg91Pf6C21I/AAAAAAAACx8/h4fkL8i-YiY/s640/D5%2BTitle%2Beaster%2Beggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>ONE-POINT-TWENTY-ONE GIGAWATTS?!? &nbsp;If you don't hear that in Doc Brown's voice, you really need to take a break from the internet and catch up on <i>Back to the Future</i>&nbsp;(especially with October 21, 2015--the day Doc and Marty travel to in the future--only a few weeks away!). &nbsp;Great scott!</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you catch this week's Easter eggs, or if you try you hand at this District 6 focaccia! &nbsp;As always, may the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/10/district-7-garlic-herb-cheesy-pull.html">District 7</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-74015576404870416022015-10-02T11:18:00.001-07:002015-10-02T13:31:46.529-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five People I Want on My Side During an Apocalypse.I'm a total sucker for post-apocalyptic sci-fi. &nbsp;But while I love stories centered around surviving beyond an apocalypse, I'm not sure how cut out I'd be for that life myself. &nbsp;I like to think I'd be able to handle it all right, but, per this week's <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> prompt, I'd certainly have a much better chance of making it with these guys on my team:<br /><br /><b>1. Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)</b><br /><b><br /></b>Um, duh.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dL17F6cVgz4/Vg7CX6tT-oI/AAAAAAAACtQ/K2diL-zCMsA/s1600/1%2BDaryl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dL17F6cVgz4/Vg7CX6tT-oI/AAAAAAAACtQ/K2diL-zCMsA/s640/1%2BDaryl.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br />I'm pretty sure the only people who won't be recruiting Daryl Dixon for this week's prompt will be those sad souls who have never seen "The Walking Dead". &nbsp;With the assumption that any sort of apocalypse--zombie, plague, robot, nuclear, etc.--will result in loss of modern technological comforts, the disintegration of government and society, and the paramount need to fend for oneself against both man and nature in order to survive, Daryl is thoroughly equipped to be a valuable asset. &nbsp;His redneck upbringing may have left him a little rough around the edges, but it also gave him the hunting, tracking, and wilderness survival skills, along with firearm proficiency, necessary to make it in the post-apocalyptic wild (zombie-infested or not). &nbsp;But more importantly, he's a decent person. &nbsp;He's got the skills to make himself king of his own little hill once the world's gone to hell, but not only does he stick with his people, he nearly kills himself looking for someone else's little girl, makes formula runs for half-orphaned Lil Asskicker, and stands up to his own brother to save the family of a crying baby. &nbsp;Instead of taking advantage of those weaker than himself, he protects them, and he <i>never </i>hesitates to do so.<br /><br /><b>2. Echo (Dollhouse)</b><br /><b><br /></b>If you're looking for multiple skill sets in a single member of your apocalyptic team, you won't find a better deal than Echo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvi5KmXaKy4/Vg7CX8pr9mI/AAAAAAAACtU/4r6klN8Rvhw/s1600/2%2BEcho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvi5KmXaKy4/Vg7CX8pr9mI/AAAAAAAACtU/4r6klN8Rvhw/s640/2%2BEcho.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><b><br /></b>The basic premise of Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" is that technology has been invented that can effectively wipe a person's memory/personality/skills, creating a blank slate that any "imprint"--a doctored persona with whatever memories/personality/skills are desired--can be uploaded to. &nbsp;While most "dolls" lose all aspects of past imprints with each wipe, Echo proves to be an anomaly, as she somehow resists the wipes and can access any of her past imprints voluntarily. &nbsp;Since her imprints include such valuable backgrounds as bodyguard, undercover agent, professional thief, hostage negotiator, nurse, and more, she has a vast set of skills that would certainly come in handy in any sort of post-apocalyptic scenario. &nbsp;Additionally, the courageous and often altruistic nature of her original self, Caroline, bleeds into Echo, who finds herself wanting to help those around her and frequently fight on their behalf.<br /><br /><b>3. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)</b><br /><b><br /></b>"Apocalypse--we've all been there; the same old tricks, why should we care?"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbrNP6FuU3U/Vg7CX9J4S5I/AAAAAAAACtY/POV4apIWT4k/s1600/3%2BBuffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbrNP6FuU3U/Vg7CX9J4S5I/AAAAAAAACtY/POV4apIWT4k/s640/3%2BBuffy.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><br />If you're looking for an authority on surviving apocalypses, Buffy Summers is it. &nbsp;Beyond her usual vampire-staking and demon-killing duties, she's averted <a href="http://www.carpdime.com/2011/05/many-apocalypses-of-buffy-summers.html">at least seven world-ending apocalyptic events</a>, and survived two deaths besides. &nbsp;There's nothing she can't handle. &nbsp;Plus, she'll keep you dressing trendily, and provide the light-hearted-yet-snarky one-liners you'll need to keep a sense of humor amidst the bloody chaos that would otherwise swallow your sanity.<br /><br /><b>4. Sam &amp; Dean Winchester (Supernatural)</b><br /><b><br /></b>Speaking of apocalypse authorities...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecOL4z3yrck/Vg7CYW-RpAI/AAAAAAAACtc/1jcdwm544gc/s1600/4%2BWinchesters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecOL4z3yrck/Vg7CYW-RpAI/AAAAAAAACtc/1jcdwm544gc/s640/4%2BWinchesters.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Since we're including the possibility of supernatural apocalypse, I would be remiss to omit the Winchester brothers. &nbsp;Their apocalyptic-event-prevention count would definitely rival Buffy's. &nbsp;They've warded off catastrophes of literally biblical proportions, gone to hell and back (heaven and purgatory, too), and <a href="http://www.tv.com/shows/supernatural/community/post/supernatural-deaths-sam-dean-infographic-140976839070/">died over a hundred times</a> between the two of them. &nbsp;I'm at least two seasons behind on the show, but I still saw enough to know that these guys are the top-notch pros at saving people and hunting things, in any type of apocalypse.<br /><br /><b>5. River Tam (Serenity)</b><br /><b><br /></b>No power in the 'verse can stop her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeFU3J7NPd4/Vg7CYTaPfvI/AAAAAAAACtg/DJLGI7Jl9VM/s1600/5%2BRiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeFU3J7NPd4/Vg7CYTaPfvI/AAAAAAAACtg/DJLGI7Jl9VM/s640/5%2BRiver.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><br />Finally, I'd round out my apocalypse team with a little bit of lovable crazy. &nbsp;River may be a bit of an unpredictable mess sometimes, but she comes through when she's needed. &nbsp;And beyond her mad fighting skills, who knows what other tactical survival skills she may have been programmed with that would kick in in an apocalypse? &nbsp;Plus, she can kill you with her brain.<br /><br /><b>So who would be on your apocalypse dream team?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-80894732764949878012015-09-04T06:04:00.000-07:002015-09-04T18:22:31.673-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five Fandom Deaths I'm Still Upset About.*This post contains SPOILERS for: "Dollhouse" (season two), "The Walking Dead" (season five), "Game of Thrones" (season four), "Torchwood" (season two), and "Firefly"/<i>Serenity</i> (movie).* *EDIT: Also, <i>The Hunger Games</i>&nbsp;trilogy (book three: <i>Mockingjay</i>).*<br /><br />Naturally, the only <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> prompt this month that I'm interested in doing happens to fall on Dragon Con weekend...and it's one of <i>my</i>&nbsp;suggestions, too, so I <i>really</i>&nbsp;want to do it, no matter how strapped for time I am! :-P<br /><br />Sometimes, death in fiction makes sense. &nbsp;It's poetic, or it wraps up a loose end, or it's just <i>necessary</i>&nbsp;somehow, and so, whether we like it or not, we accept it as part of the story that needed to happen. &nbsp;But other times, we're just left screaming "NOOOOO!" and sobbing into the nearest pillow, because NOOOO.<br /><br />So here are the five fandom deaths that I still refuse to accept:<br /><br /><b>1. Bennett Halverson ("Dollhouse")</b><br /><b><br /></b>I could populate this entire list with deaths I hate in the Whedonverse. &nbsp;Death is something Joss does really well--unlike other writers, who often seem to try to make sense of death in their writing, Joss captures how, in real life, death just&nbsp;<i>doesn't</i>&nbsp;make sense. &nbsp;He kills his characters off in the middle of life--mid-action, mid-romance, mid-sentence. &nbsp;They leave a hole behind, full of unfinished things. &nbsp;It's beautifully painful in the way he captures the utter <i>wrongness</i>&nbsp;of death in the real world.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/94fe6960d7a99ba0434cdb0852637915/tumblr_mg3zemOsCs1rrsbh3o2_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/94fe6960d7a99ba0434cdb0852637915/tumblr_mg3zemOsCs1rrsbh3o2_250.gif" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />Like most Whedon shows, "Dollhouse" is brimming with unfair deaths, but the one that I hated the most was Bennett's. &nbsp;Topher was one of my absolute favorite characters throughout the series, and Bennett was his perfect crush--they were adorable. &nbsp;Didn't we all ship them from that first awkward handshake?<br /><br />But literally within a minute of their first kiss, Bennett dies. &nbsp;We go from "Yay!!" to "NOOO!!!" in a matter of seconds. &nbsp;Moreover, she's killed by a character we didn't know was bad until that very moment, so there's the added shock of finally discovering the mole's identity, and then we have to watch Topher, still covered in blood spatter, desperately trying to find a way around the finality of Bennett's death--in a world where brains are downloadable and transferable, she was shot in the head, rendering the process he perfected useless. &nbsp;She can't be brought back.<br /><br />I also hate how Topher's story ends in the show's finale, and I'm convinced that it would have gone very differently if Bennett had survived. &nbsp;UGH, THE FEELS.<br /><br /><b>2. Beth Greene ("The Walking Dead")</b><br /><br />I hated Beth in her first season. &nbsp;She was selfish, moody, and unreasonable. &nbsp;She was a burdensome weakling, in my mind, and I wouldn't have minded if her half-hearted suicide attempt had been successful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.spin.com/files/141010-the-walking-dead-emily-kinney.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.spin.com/files/141010-the-walking-dead-emily-kinney.gif" height="218" width="400" /></a></div><br />It took a long while for Beth to grow on me. &nbsp;But, like Carol, I think she ended up being a great example of how much an unlikely person can adapt once they make up their mind they have to. &nbsp;Beth started off too weak to survive a zombie apocolypse, then swung too far the other direction and became hard and uncaring towards the end of their prison stay, but finally found her own kind of courageous strength by the time she was left to fend for herself in Dawn's hospital. &nbsp;Though the episodes with just her and Daryl in season four were downright painful, I began to really like her on her own in season five. &nbsp;But then, just as we're about to get a happy ending, Beth has to go and do something noble and brave and necessary, making me love her even more right before the bullet goes through her brain.<br /><br />Also, I was never a Caryl (Carol&nbsp;+ Daryl) OR Bethyl (Beth&nbsp;+ Daryl) shipper right up through Beth's death, but after that mid-season finale, I went back and rewatched season four while I waited for the second half of season five to start. &nbsp;Rewatching her and Daryl on their own after the prison made me see how kind of perfect she might have been for him--she was strong enough to stand on her own, but she still had a sweetness (post-prison) that I think Daryl needed. &nbsp;But it doesn't matter, because she's dead now. &nbsp;UGH.<br /><br /><b>3. Oberyn Martell ("Game of Thrones")</b><br /><b><br /></b>I'm still about half a season behind on the show, and have only made it about a third of the way through the fourth book, but I'd read this scene of Oberyn battling the Mountain before watching it the week it aired. &nbsp;As far as I've read, it's the most nail-biting scene in the book series. &nbsp;It had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously imagining each blow, and I was exultant when the Viper took down the Mountain (who is my VERY least favorite character in all of literature, ever--oh, how I hate him), and I think I nearly dropped the book (confession: I mean Kindle) when Oberyn, despite my verbal warnings not to get too close to the fallen Gregor (not kidding, I was definitely talking out loud to him), got too close and ended up getting his eyes gouged out and his skull crushed. &nbsp;I was horrified, shocked, and devastated along with Tyrion at his champion's fall.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://esq.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/07/54daf1ccbaef2_-_tumblr_n5tim697n71rjlpzpo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://esq.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/07/54daf1ccbaef2_-_tumblr_n5tim697n71rjlpzpo1_500.gif" height="240" width="400" /></a></div><br />So, you'd think I'd be prepared for the same scene in the show, right? &nbsp;Wrong. &nbsp;Going into it, I knew how it was going to end. &nbsp;I knew the Viper would take down the Mountain, but the Mountain would take him down, too. &nbsp;Yet somehow in the heat of the battle, I was on my feet cheering for Oberyn, and completely forgot that I'd foreseen the outcome already. &nbsp;I was, once again, utterly devastated. &nbsp;And felt a bit like an idiot that I'd gotten so emotionally invested in the moment...but, <i>damn</i>, do I hate Gregor Clegane. &nbsp;He deserved what he got at Qyburn's hands afterwards.<br /><br />But Oberyn deserved better. &nbsp;He deserved vengeance for his sister, and the glory of ridding the world of a hideous monster. &nbsp;And Tyrion deserved justice. &nbsp;Oberyn's victory should have balanced the scales, but his death tipped them to the favor of the least righteous. &nbsp;Not cool, George R.R. &nbsp;Not cool.<br /><br /><b>4. Hoban "Wash" Washburne ("Firefly"/<i>Serenity</i>)</b><br /><b><br /></b>I was a bit late jumping aboard the Browncoat bandwagon. &nbsp;I actually discovered the "Firefly" series through the movie--in college, my friends and I were looking for something to do one evening and decided to go see "that sci-fi movie with the funny guy from <i>A Knight's Tale</i>" in theaters. &nbsp;We had no idea there was a show that preceded it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/OwyfYuU.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/OwyfYuU.gif" height="166" width="400" /></a></div><br />So, after loving the movie, I dove into the show knowing how Wash would end up. &nbsp;Hence, every scene that made me love his character--from that first "inevitable betrayal" bit, to him talking with Zoe about having children--was bittersweet for me. &nbsp;I knew what was coming. &nbsp;And I hated it more and more with each episode. &nbsp;<i>Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal, Joss Whedon! &nbsp;</i>I am a leaf on the wind; watch how I--<br /><br /><b>5. Owen Harper &amp; Toshiko "Tosh" Sato ("Torchwood")</b><br /><b><br /></b>I'm cheating with a twofer here, but only because this is the one that breaks my heart.<br /><br />I didn't like Owen at first. &nbsp;He's kind of a douchebag. &nbsp;But as season one progressed, we saw a bit more depth, and moral character, to him, and he grew on me. &nbsp;And then there's Tosh--sweet, hardworking, Tosh, who has everyone's back and whom nobody seems to notice. &nbsp;Her crush on Owen bothered me a bit at first, because I felt like she deserved better, but I do think she saw in Owen the goodness we get glimpses of as the show goes on. &nbsp;So I started rooting for him to notice her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/154449/owen-harper-o.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/154449/owen-harper-o.gif" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then Tosh finally worked up the courage to ask Owen out...and he completely missed it. &nbsp;But when he realized what had happened, he asked her out for drinks. &nbsp;And then he GOT SHOT (fatally) before it had a chance to happen.<br /><br />But it didn't end there. &nbsp;In the next episode, Owen was brought back...but not quite to life. &nbsp;His consciousness returned to his body, but his body neither decayed nor regenerated--wounds wouldn't heal, and bodily functions wouldn't work. &nbsp;Unlike the immortal Jack Harkness, Owen found himself cursed with an existence of forever dying, denied by his deadness three of his favorite things: food, drinks, and sex.<br /><br />But Tosh still had his back. &nbsp;Even when he was mean to her, and even though the relationship that she had wanted would never happen now. &nbsp;I think she saw him as a wounded animal, lashing out in hurt and anger over his incredibly unfair situation, and while she deserved better treatment than Owen sometimes gave her over the course of their continued friendship, she was just one of those supernaturally patient people who could stick around long enough for her support to eventually be appreciated.<br /><br />So I spent all of season two hoping the Torchwood gang would find a way to restore Owen, so he and Tosh could finally have that date.<br /><br />Until Tosh got shot.<br /><br />But it didn't end there, either.<br /><br />In the midst of saving the world, her wound took long enough to kill her for her to keep walking Owen through something about nuclear containment, over a comm device. &nbsp;He knew something had happened on her end, but, from afar, he bought her lie about being fine, and he had no idea she was dying. &nbsp;Then something went wrong at the nuclear facility, where he was, and he ended up trapped where the stuff (clearly science is not my strong suit) was going to be vented, and he was absolutely going to die this time.<br /><br />Owen: *screaming* "I'm going to rage my way to oblivion!"<br />Tosh: *quietly* "Please don't."<br />Owen: *still shouting* "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't keep <i>bloody screaming</i>!"<br />Tosh: "Because you're breaking my heart."<br />Owen: *silence, then quietly* "I'm sorry."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdjh91jSO91r8ge6mo8_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdjh91jSO91r8ge6mo8_250.gif" height="226" width="400" /></a></div><br />Owen: "We never did get that date, did we? &nbsp;You and me? &nbsp;We sort of missed each other. &nbsp;It was my fault. &nbsp;I didn't--I didn't notice, until it was too late. &nbsp;I'm sorry."<br />Tosh: "Me, too."<br /><br />THE FEELS. &nbsp;And the part that gets me the most? &nbsp;That whole time, he had no idea she was dying. &nbsp;He put aside all his anger at his own death, and calmed down to talk to her, because he cared about her--not because these were her final moments, too. &nbsp;I HATE IT SO MUCH.<br /><br />So there you have it: the five (well, six) fandom deaths that I just can't accept. &nbsp;Because NOOOOO.<br /><br /><b>What fandom deaths are <i>you </i>still upset about?</b><br /><b><br /></b>EDIT: I can't believe I <i>completely</i>&nbsp;<i>forgot </i>about Finnick! &nbsp;But I was so depressed after reading that part in the books, that this list is just incomplete without him and I can't leave it that way. &nbsp;So:<br /><br /><b>6. Finnick Odair (<i>The Hunger Games</i>&nbsp;trilogy)</b><br /><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://33.media.tumblr.com/00929f6047e4e586f2279f86ceaecbda/tumblr_nsrp2vxRfW1ubt27yo1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://33.media.tumblr.com/00929f6047e4e586f2279f86ceaecbda/tumblr_nsrp2vxRfW1ubt27yo1_250.gif" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Please excuse me while I go sob some more now. *Cue ugly-crying.*Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-49681343166154384442015-08-14T06:17:00.000-07:002015-08-14T08:31:23.356-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five Favorite Fandom Phrases.By Grabthar's hammer<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0177789/">*</a>, in the two months since I started participating in <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a>, this has been the most difficult prompt for me: Five Favorite Fandom Phrases. &nbsp;Great Scott, narrowing down my favorite fandom quotes down to just <i>five</i>&nbsp;is like trying to harness 1.21 gigawatts in 1955<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/">*</a>!<br /><br />So...I'm going to cheat a little. &nbsp;(Pirate!) &nbsp;Because, really, these prompts are more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325980/?ref_=nv_sr_2">*</a>, right? &nbsp;So I'm going to list the five fandom quotes I think I actually use in conversation the most, but I'm not going to let that stop me from <i>using</i>&nbsp;other quotes and references, because one does not simply type up four pages of favorite fandom quotes and then discard them<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>. &nbsp;(See how many you can recognize--may the odds be ever in your favor!<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/?ref_=nv_sr_2">*</a>)<br /><br /><b>1. Clever girl... (Robert Muldoon, Jurassic Park)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140408111011/jurassicpark/images/5/53/Raptor_-_Clever_Girl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140408111011/jurassicpark/images/5/53/Raptor_-_Clever_Girl.gif" height="222" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Muldoon may have been my favorite character in <i>Jurassic Park</i>, and this was certainly my favorite line. &nbsp;I loved the raptors (hence me wanting to <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/07/5-fandom-friday-five-fictional-pets-id.html">adopt one</a>), but Muldoon was the only one who grasped just how intelligent and therefore dangerous they truly were (don't blink: blink and you're dead--they are fast, faster than you can believe!<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436992/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>). &nbsp;Alas, these beauties were what did him in in the end, but not before he gave us this simple, yet fantastic and oh-so-usable, phrase. &nbsp;I make regular use of it pretty much any time I happen across an intelligent female, and it's always thought--if not said--in Muldoon's accent.<br /><br />In a crazy random happenstance<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1227926/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>, a bosom friend<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088727/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a> happened to call me "clever girl" in this way once--I didn't even realize she was a fan of JP. &nbsp;But it delighted me to no end, as, indeed, I am no man<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/?ref_=nv_sr_2">*</a>, and brainy's the new sexy<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>, after all.<br /><br /><b>2. I aim to misbehave. (Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Serenity)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8d/ed/7b/8ded7b80c480426438abc93c322af7b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8d/ed/7b/8ded7b80c480426438abc93c322af7b1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>This quote is a favorite among most of us who solemnly swear to be up to no good<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0304141/?ref_=nv_sr_4">*</a>, but my appreciation for this line runs particularly deep. &nbsp;Here's the context of the oft-quoted line (after the discovery of the Alliance's attempt to weed aggression out of Miranda's population with Pax):<br /><br />"Y'all got on this boat for different reasons, but y'all come to the same place. &nbsp;So now I'm asking more of you than I have before. &nbsp;Maybe all. &nbsp;Sure as I know anything, I know this: they will try again. &nbsp;Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground, swept clean. &nbsp;A year from now, ten? &nbsp;They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people...better. &nbsp;And I do not hold to that. &nbsp;So no more runnin'. &nbsp;I aim to misbehave."<br /><br />I appreciate sci-fi that recognizes that man is not inherently good, and that mankind is not moving towards becoming better. &nbsp;Futuristic portrayals of mankind advancing toward complete peace through education and civilization are one of my biggest pet peeves in science fiction, because I don't find it realistic--people cannot be made to be better. &nbsp;It's true that there's some good in this world worth fighting for<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167261/?ref_=ttqt_qt_tt">*</a>, and that there are people and communities that choose to be kind and compassionate, but the whole of human history evidences that man is flawed, that power far more often corrupts than not, and that with progression evil merely becomes better-rationalized and more efficient. &nbsp;This quote isn't just about bucking authority: there are times when good people need to "misbehave", because the alternative--behaving--means standing aside and letting evil grow.<br /><br />But I think most of us actually use the phrase more light-heartedly, anytime we're feeling a bit rebellious, whether or not we have the intention of saving mankind from itself. ;-)<br /><br /><b>3. There are three flowers in a vase. &nbsp;The third flower is green. (Adelle DeWitt, Dollhouse)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnzr1ryybF1qhi890.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnzr1ryybF1qhi890.gif" height="208" width="400" /></a></div><br />I can't say much on this one without giving away major plot points of this brilliant show (Spoilers!<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436992/">*</a>). &nbsp;This phrase happens during one of those HOLY CRAP DID THAT JUST HAPPEN moments that the show has so many of. &nbsp;If you haven't watched it yet, drop everything else you have planned for the weekend and binge-watch the whole two-season run--I mean it. &nbsp;(Anybody want a peanut?<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>) &nbsp;I swear by my pretty floral bonnet<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>, you won't regret it.<br /><br />I tend to use this phrase any time a movie or show has a particularly shocking plot twist that I like. &nbsp;Also, any time I see flowers, or a vase, and sometimes just when I'm bored (sometimes life needs a plot twist!).<br /><br /><b>4. Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal! (Hoban "Wash" Washburne, Firefly)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://37.media.tumblr.com/e14870e8560a71dc9676dd8e60faa482/tumblr_miao3tyIgh1s52qv9o4_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://37.media.tumblr.com/e14870e8560a71dc9676dd8e60faa482/tumblr_miao3tyIgh1s52qv9o4_500.gif" height="167" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>"Yes. &nbsp;Yes, this is a fertile land, and we will thrive. &nbsp;We will rule over all this land, and we will call it...'This Land'." &nbsp;"I think we should call it 'your grave'!" &nbsp;"Ah, curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!" &nbsp;"Hahaha! &nbsp;Mine is an evil laugh--now die!" &nbsp;"Oh, no, God!"<br /><br />This is such a usable quote....Traffic make you late to work? &nbsp;CURSE YOUR SUDDEN BUT INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! &nbsp;Salt shaker spill when you try to use it? &nbsp;CURSE YOUR SUDDEN BUT INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! &nbsp;Puppy chew your shoes? &nbsp;CURSE YOUR SUDDEN BUT INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! &nbsp;Surrounded by idjits<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681/?ref_=nv_sr_2">*</a>? &nbsp;CURSE YOUR SUDDEN BUT INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! &nbsp;Internet go down? &nbsp;CURSE YOUR SUDDEN BUT INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! &nbsp;There are just so many real-life situations in which it accurately applies.<br /><br />Fox cancel your favorite TV show? &nbsp;CURSE YOUR SUDDEN BUT INEVITABLE BETRAYAL! &nbsp;But given that we're most likely past the point of realistically hoping for a renewal, that last one's really a moo point...yeah, like a cow's opinion--it just doesn't matter. &nbsp;It's <i>moo</i>...<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583431/?ref_=ttqt_qt_tt">*</a>&nbsp; (All right, all right, so working that one in was a bit of a stretch...but I just had to <i>make it so</i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092455/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>! &nbsp;HA!)<br /><br /><b>5. Allons-y! (Tenth Doctor, Doctor Who)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.tumblr.com/unp3gx3/Rohm8qo4g/allons-y.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.tumblr.com/unp3gx3/Rohm8qo4g/allons-y.gif" height="277" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>"It's French. &nbsp;For 'let's go'." &nbsp;Never mind that I can't manage a French accent <i>in the slightest</i>, this has become my new favorite sign-off, online or in person. &nbsp;I mean, look at that adorable grin (and the hair!)...resistance is futile<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092455/?ref_=nv_sr_3">*</a>--you can't help but love Ten and want to invoke him into your daily life by adopting his catchphrase. &nbsp;So say we all<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407362/?ref_=nv_sr_2">*</a>--all we Whovians, anyway! :-)<br /><br />So there you have it--the five fandom phrases I use most regularly...and a few other quotes and references. &nbsp;You can't take the sky from me<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/?ref_=nv_sr_1">*</a>! :-)Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-34473832758828689912015-07-31T06:29:00.000-07:002015-08-14T06:17:49.961-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five Fictional Pets I'd Like to Adopt.Time for another <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a>! &nbsp;But before I get started on this week's prompt, now that I've been participating for almost two months, I just want to shout out a huge thanks to <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/">The Nerdy Girlie</a> and <a href="http://superspacechick.com/">Super Space Chick</a>, who first dreamed up and organized this phenomenon (and who graciously welcomed me and my long list of prompt ideas--I tend to hit the ground running when I'm excited--by using three of my suggestions this month!), and another huge thanks to EVERYONE who participates in 5 Fandom Friday, because all of you have made my Fridays something to look forward to--I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through so many different perspectives every week, representing such diverse fandoms, that all share the whole-hearted enthusiasm we each have for the things we love. &nbsp;Your excitement has led me to find new fandoms to explore and get excited about--and finding new community is really so much of what fandoms are about, isn't it? &nbsp;So thank you for welcoming me into <i>your </i>community. :-)<br /><br />This week's prompt is "Five Fictional Pets I'd Like to Adopt", because I constantly find myself falling in love with the pets and non-people sidekicks...I'm so much more an animal person than a people person! &nbsp;So my struggle this week--okay, it's basically the same struggle as I have every week--is narrowing down a ridiculously long list into a list of my top five....<br /><br /><b>1. Goliath (<i>Ladyhawke</i>)</b><br /><br />This movie holds a strangely special place in my heart because of how I stumbled upon it: when I was somewhere around eleven or twelve, I was channel-surfing, and happened to catch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIl9IFcIXlg">this scene</a>--of course, two knights astride beautiful horses and engaged in an epic battle inside a church caught and held my attention, and afterward, I occasionally wondered for years what movie it had been, with its cryptic "night without day, day without night" bit at the end, but I never had any luck with my casual efforts tracking it down...until, one day in high school, my dad randomly handed me this movie he picked up in a $5 bin that he remembered watching years ago and thought I might like. &nbsp;I didn't realize until I got to that particular scene, that this was the mystery movie I'd been hoping to find for so long!<br /><br />There are a few movies every horse lover should watch (such as&nbsp;<i>Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken</i>&nbsp;and <i>The Man From Snowy River</i>), and this film makes the list because of Goliath:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LheTHfu895c/Vbrdq1semeI/AAAAAAAACsQ/4CDGO0a0L6o/s1600/Goliath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LheTHfu895c/Vbrdq1semeI/AAAAAAAACsQ/4CDGO0a0L6o/s400/Goliath.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goliath ("Ladyhawke").</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Played primarily by a 19-year-old Friesian stallion named Othello, Goliath alone makes the movie worth watching. &nbsp;Isn't he <i>gorgeous</i>? &nbsp;(I'm afraid the pictures just don't do him justice...you'll have to watch the film to see him in all his glory!) But the movie itself, though rather dated by its style and soundtrack (I lived too little in the 80's to appreciate the era), is actually pretty good.<br /><br /><b>2. Rancor (<i>Star Wars</i>)</b><br /><br />I've wanted a rancor since I first watched <i>Return of the Jedi</i>&nbsp;when I was six or seven. &nbsp;(Yes, I've always been that weird.)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120715031131/starwars/images/6/6c/Rancor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120715031131/starwars/images/6/6c/Rancor.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rancor ("Star Wars").</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I mean, it wasn't <i>his</i>&nbsp;fault he fell into the hands of the cruel Jabba the Hutt, who kept him chained underground and fed him the guests who displeased his owner. &nbsp;Oddly, I always identified with this guy:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fallingpianos.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/malakili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://fallingpianos.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/malakili.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />(...you know, the one who sobbed after Luke killed the rancor.)<br /><br />So I <i>love</i>&nbsp;this adorable comic, with its cute backstory and happy ending:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--sADyLwxS--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_320/187sk48w0wclvjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--sADyLwxS--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_320/187sk48w0wclvjpg.jpg" height="640" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"BFFs" by Chris Gugliotti; print can be purchased <a gt="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114140110/bffs?image_id=398715912&amp;source=aw&amp;utm_source=affiliate_window&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&amp;utm_content=78888">here</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If I had a rancor, we'd totally be BFFs.<br /><br /><b>3. Velociraptor (<i>Jurassic World</i>)</b><br /><br />In a lot of ways, I feel like <i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;and <i>The Lost World</i>--both books and movies--defined my middle school years, and I thought the newest addition to the saga, <i>Jurassic World</i>, lived up to to the legacy of its predecessors wonderfully (you can read my full review <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-take-on-jurassic-world.html">here</a>). &nbsp;<i>JW</i>&nbsp;also inspired a new life goal: to become a raptor whisperer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.aintitcool.com/media/uploads/2015/nordling/jurassic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.aintitcool.com/media/uploads/2015/nordling/jurassic2.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Velociraptors ("Jurassic World").</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Obviously, I missed my calling. &nbsp;Global extinction event aside, I really feel like I was born to train to raptors. &nbsp;Plus, making a man the alpha of a pack in an all-female dinosaur park? &nbsp;How patriarchal is that? &nbsp;(Kidding!) &nbsp;But maybe a woman could have kept the clever girls in line when the new girl, Indominus, tried to stake her claim as top dog--after all, there are lessons every girl learns in high school hierarchy that might have come in handy in putting down the new girl. :-P<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ew.com/sites/default/files/i/2015/06/11/jurassic-world-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ew.com/sites/default/files/i/2015/06/11/jurassic-world-02.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a></div><br />But while <i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;inspired my eleven-year-old self to learn <i>all the dinosaurs</i>, my interest in the extinct creatures had actually been awoken long before that, through James Gurney's&nbsp;<i>Dinotopia</i>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MrZ9GA-hiPI/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MrZ9GA-hiPI/maxresdefault.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Gurney's "Dinotopia".</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I used to pore over every illustration and pick out which character in it I would be--usually it boiled down to, which dinosaur do I want to ride? &nbsp;The only reason the raptors in <i>JW</i>&nbsp;edged out any of the dinosaurs in <i>Dinotopia</i>&nbsp;this week is that Gurney's world paints a picture in dinosaurs are far more partners than pets.<br /><br /><b>4. Sam (<i>I Am Legend</i>)</b><br /><br />Just as I, as a horse person, had to include my favorite horse in film or literature--as a dog person, I have to include my favorite dog: Samantha, of <i>I Am Legend</i>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68NozeGkxJA/UGQvPE0So-I/AAAAAAAAAHU/SRSGxvYFHv8/s400/i-am-legend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68NozeGkxJA/UGQvPE0So-I/AAAAAAAAAHU/SRSGxvYFHv8/s400/i-am-legend.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam ("I Am Legend").</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At the end of the world, the last man standing--or so he fears--has one companion to keep him sane: his daughter's dog, Sam (short for "Samantha", we learn). &nbsp;She's so much more to him than a pet--she's his loyal friend and faithful comrade in their fight for survival and search for some semblance of a life, in the midst of basically the zombie apocalypse. &nbsp;MAJOR SPOILER: I don't think anyone's heart broke at his death the way it broke for Sam's. &nbsp;I'm pretty sure even my husband, a cat person, cried when Will Smith sang to her in her final moments, and I credit that scene to my hubby's willingness to even consider letting me get a dog someday.<br /><br /><b>5. Dragon (<i>The&nbsp;Pit Dragon Chronicles</i>)</b><br /><br />I'm guessing dragons are going to be a popular pick this week, though I'm also guessing that most will be of the <i>Game of Thrones</i>&nbsp;variety, with perhaps a few <i>Eragon</i>&nbsp;or <i>The Hobbit</i>&nbsp;outliers thrown into the mix. &nbsp;But while I haven't yet met a version of dragons that I truly didn't like, my absolute favorite dragons are the ones in a book series I read well over a decade ago: <i>The Pit Dragon Chronicles </i>by Jane Yolen.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RQRQKTrslUw/SqralisSakI/AAAAAAAAACQ/gVlG6Dayq-k/s320/dragontrilogy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RQRQKTrslUw/SqralisSakI/AAAAAAAAACQ/gVlG6Dayq-k/s320/dragontrilogy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Pit Dragon Chronicles" by Jane Yolen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Set in a harsh world of desert climate and brutal dragon-fighting, the first book of the sci-fi/fantasy series follows a bonder (low caste) boy who steals a baby dragon to raise on his own, training it to fight in the dragon pits so he can buy his way up in the world. &nbsp;I instantly loved the Australia-meets-Tatooine vibe of the world Yolen created, but her breed of dragons only grows more interesting as the series progresses. &nbsp;Not the average fire-breathing, treasure-hording creatures, hers are intelligent and telepathic, and her series explores the impact on humans of the closer relationships with dragons that the protagonist incidentally forges.<br /><br />Apparently, there's a fourth book out now, which was released long after I'd read--and purged from my "too-large" book collection, which I still regret--the original trilogy...just talking about her dragons has me itching to read the whole series. &nbsp;So, on that note, I'm going to wrap this post up so I can look up the ebooks on Amazon... :-P<br /><br /><b>So who/what are <i>your </i>favorite fictional pets?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-13790455045838614982015-07-24T06:18:00.001-07:002015-07-24T06:18:32.729-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five Fictional Vehicles I'd Love to Travel In.So many of our fandoms are escapes. &nbsp;That's not a bad thing--sometimes we need a break from the real world, and sometimes there are truths in the real world that we find are best expressed in fiction. &nbsp;Nonetheless, I think the escapist nature of fandoms in general lends itself very well to imagining ourselves escaping into it. &nbsp;So, for this week's <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a>, here are a few "getaway" vehicles I could see myself travelling in:<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>1. TARDIS (Doctor Who)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/99a91c064dc256dca5fbc40d23465ee4/tumblr_mglcpu5y1o1qbl6qfo7_r1_500.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/99a91c064dc256dca5fbc40d23465ee4/tumblr_mglcpu5y1o1qbl6qfo7_r1_500.gif" height="160" width="400" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b>Obviously, the TARDIS tops my list. &nbsp;It has it all--it's both a spaceship <i>and</i>&nbsp;and time-travelling machine, with bigger-on-the-inside Time Lord technology which means you never have to worry about packing light or running out of foodstuffs. &nbsp;Plus, it comes with the Doctor!</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pa1.narvii.com/5627/b0d749262dc843f6eb9bf78efed6262fa55a8088_hq.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://pa1.narvii.com/5627/b0d749262dc843f6eb9bf78efed6262fa55a8088_hq.gif" height="195" width="400" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The travel possibilities are endless...past or future? &nbsp;Earth, or the furthest reaches of outer space? &nbsp;Stay aboard long enough, and you're guaranteed at least a few truly epic trips. &nbsp;(I think I'd start with travelling back to see dinosaurs! &nbsp;Probably gonna stick with the veggie-sauruses, though.) &nbsp;Allons-y!</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2. Serenity (Firefly/Serenity)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.giphy.com/media/2LSGUQXyVP4is/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.giphy.com/media/2LSGUQXyVP4is/giphy.gif" height="223" width="400" /></a></div><br />What Browncoat wouldn't want a chance to fly aboard Serenity? &nbsp;She's a Class B mid-bulk transport ship with a standard radion/accelerator core, 03-K64-Firefly, with all the hidden nooks and crannies to make it the preferred ship for smugglers; and, as Kaylee puts it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://33.media.tumblr.com/753c69cea189f8a59b8692b7e5f09b57/tumblr_inline_noipw3D06r1tu6ux6_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://33.media.tumblr.com/753c69cea189f8a59b8692b7e5f09b57/tumblr_inline_noipw3D06r1tu6ux6_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />(Though not everyone agreed on that, at least in the beginning...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx8s4wFacA1r8gsqgo1_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx8s4wFacA1r8gsqgo1_r1_250.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br />But Serenity's lovingly thought of as the "tenth character" on the show. &nbsp;She brings the crew together, and keeps them flying. &nbsp;She's what gives Mal and his crew their piece of sky that no one can take, and she's the heart of it all.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maza6dljGV1qcoqqh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maza6dljGV1qcoqqh.gif" height="175" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Yes, please!<br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>3. Millenium Falcon (Star Wars)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/8ece011ddc30728de60fba97e2b05226/tumblr_nfy9v2FnfM1sl21koo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/8ece011ddc30728de60fba97e2b05226/tumblr_nfy9v2FnfM1sl21koo1_500.gif" height="200" width="400" /></a></div><br />Another smuggler's choice, the Millenium Falcon can make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/force-awakens-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/force-awakens-6.gif" height="170" width="400" /></a></div><br />I think all of us who grew up on the original <i>Star Wars</i>&nbsp;trilogy have daydreamed about piloting the Falcon. &nbsp;Especially while driving in snowstorms...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/11113/111135171/4587709-7892424433-tumbl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/11113/111135171/4587709-7892424433-tumbl.gif" height="216" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b>(You know you've done it.)<br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>4. DeLorean (Back to the Future)</b><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/dde9b8c38856c26d3b93db4385947cca/tumblr_inline_mxbdnp0VDZ1qivkxn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/dde9b8c38856c26d3b93db4385947cca/tumblr_inline_mxbdnp0VDZ1qivkxn.gif" height="160" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Never mind that the entire second movie is a gaping plot hole (Biff could never have gotten the DeLorean back to his future, where Doc and Marty were, once he'd gone back to 1955 and changed the past--he'd have ended up in the alternate future!), the DeLorean is probably the coolest car in all of film history.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s2.favim.com/orig/28/back-to-the-future-gif-movie-Favim.com-232507.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s2.favim.com/orig/28/back-to-the-future-gif-movie-Favim.com-232507.gif" height="216" width="400" /></a></div><br />As I'm sure you're aware, we've almost reached <i>Back to the Future II</i>'s future ourselves--Doc and Marty travel forward to October 21, 2015. &nbsp;Only three more months until we'll all have hoverboards, flying cars, and shoes that shrink to fit!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/roadswhereweregoing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/roadswhereweregoing.gif" height="160" width="400" /></a></div><br />Heavy.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>5. Hogwarts Express (Harry Potter)</b><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mtv.mtvnimages.com/uri/mgid:file:http:shared:mtv.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tumblr_inline_napqc37QpM1s8wp3s-1422298485.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://mtv.mtvnimages.com/uri/mgid:file:http:shared:mtv.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tumblr_inline_napqc37QpM1s8wp3s-1422298485.gif" height="166" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Mostly because it goes to Hogwarts. &nbsp;(I'd be a Ravenclaw--what's your house?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i99.beon.ru/2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhRAiaDJaZM/UR1r6rxSpII/AAAAAAAABCs/hVch-huDWTE/s1600/1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i99.beon.ru/2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhRAiaDJaZM/UR1r6rxSpII/AAAAAAAABCs/hVch-huDWTE/s1600/1.gif" height="175" width="400" /></a></div><br />I actually love travelling by train, and wish we did it more in the U.S. &nbsp;I've never gotten to travel in one with the little compartments, though, and it's sort of a dream of mine to take an overnight train, with the little rooms with the bunks....But of all the trains, the Hogwarts Express would be the most magical in every way!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/189711626/large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/189711626/large.gif" height="163" width="400" /></a></div><br />Can <i>you</i>&nbsp;tell me where I might find Platform 9 3/4?<br /><br /><b>What fictional vehicles would <i>you</i>&nbsp;love to travel in?</b></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-54831669296034536932015-07-16T19:38:00.000-07:002015-07-16T19:38:17.806-07:00DIY: Steampunk gun mod.Dragon Con 2015 will be my third convention, ever, and I've decided it's finally time to try my hand at cosplay. &nbsp;As such a novice, I'm a bit nervous--there are some <i>amazing</i>&nbsp;cosplayers at Dragon Con, so it's a bit intimidating to think of brushing shoulders with <i>them</i>&nbsp;while garbed in my own feeble attempt at cosplay. &nbsp;But I've met enough welcoming folk at Dragon Con over the last two years that I've decided to go for it, despite my insecurities!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I took care of some of the simpler pieces of my cosplay first, before tackling the two most daunting parts--the gun and the belt. &nbsp;I'm putting a steampunk twist on a well-known character, so of course I needed some sort of steampunk gun.</div><div><br /></div><div>I browsed through quite a few Nerf-gun-turned-steampunk pictures and tutorials before stumbling, quite accidentally, on <a href="http://www.amk.cool/fotogalerie/nejnovejsi/detail/63286/">this</a> on Pinterest. &nbsp;No tutorial, no notes, no text except in a language I don't speak--but it was <i>exactly</i>&nbsp;what I was looking for! &nbsp;So I did what I do best: I winged it from there.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUEZG94Xa8A/VaG6Qyy1lpI/AAAAAAAACrs/sdfFJxpbWcI/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUEZG94Xa8A/VaG6Qyy1lpI/AAAAAAAACrs/sdfFJxpbWcI/s640/Title.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY Steampunk Gun Mod.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first step was finding suitable guns. &nbsp;I loved the ball bit on the pin I'd seen, and the way a section of the water gun fit around the barrel of the pistol, so I scoured Amazon for a similar water gun. &nbsp;After tracking down a cheap pirate pistol and comparing its measurements to my options, I found one I thought looked promising. &nbsp;From there, I just thought ahead to potential obstacles--like needing a hot knife to cut the plastic, and how to fill the holes cut open in two hollow guns--and put together a pile of supplies to pull it off.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bshonGGAB4/VaG6DEMe78I/AAAAAAAACqc/EVxD_-rJuJs/s1600/20150628_203823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bshonGGAB4/VaG6DEMe78I/AAAAAAAACqc/EVxD_-rJuJs/s1600/20150628_203823.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's what you'll need:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Rubies-Swashbuckler-Costume-Pistol-Toy/dp/B005SICR6O/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1436663394&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=pirate+pistol+toy">Pirate pistol</a></li><li><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Shooter-Squirt-Soaker-Blaster-Colors/dp/B00X97IZX0/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1436663401&amp;sr=1-4&amp;pebp=1436663406667&amp;perid=1VTRSGGMFEPSCPKND0N6">Water gun</a></li><li>Hot knife (or woodburner)</li><li><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/InstaMorph-Moldable-Plastic-6-oz/dp/B004MFLU4Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1436663991&amp;sr=1-2&amp;pebp=1436663995679&amp;perid=03KRX5KV4SQ8NAD7YHWT">Moldable plastic</a></li><li>Super glue</li><li>Spray paint, in base color</li><li>Acrylic paint, in base color (not pictured)</li><li><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/AMACO-Metallic-Finish-Silver-0-5-Fluid/dp/B00081G2HG/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1436664063&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=rub+n+buff+silver+leaf">Rub'n'Buff</a>, in main/accent colors</li><li>Small paintbrushes (not pictured)</li></ul><div>I used a few things from the crafting stash I've already accumulated over the years--like the super glue, spray paint, and acrylic paint. &nbsp;Since I already had a woodburner (for various other projects, very few of which involve wood!), I opted to try that before shopping for an actual hot knife.<br /><br />First step: <b>dissecting the guns</b>. &nbsp;These are what I started with:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnH5-KGedOA/VaG6DNbLwmI/AAAAAAAACqk/bR71dPrceEA/s1600/20150628_204205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnH5-KGedOA/VaG6DNbLwmI/AAAAAAAACqk/bR71dPrceEA/s1600/20150628_204205.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's the water gun with the tank unscrewed and set aside:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBwMVQ239OM/VaG6DWAD0vI/AAAAAAAACqY/iOjXDTkfPic/s1600/20150628_204233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBwMVQ239OM/VaG6DWAD0vI/AAAAAAAACqY/iOjXDTkfPic/s1600/20150628_204233.jpg" /></a></div><br />I stared at it for a good ten minutes before starting, just determining which bits to cut off and what to leave intact. &nbsp;It's good to go into this step with a plan, and a thorough understanding of how each piece connects to the whole.<br /><br />I used this tip on my woodburner:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Al8keo5lhbI/VaG6C9DneGI/AAAAAAAACpI/ZbcCIoeJBnU/s1600/20150628_204113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Al8keo5lhbI/VaG6C9DneGI/AAAAAAAACpI/ZbcCIoeJBnU/s1600/20150628_204113.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hard to tell from this angle, but it's flat like a leaf, and it was the closest tip to a flat "knife" as I had. &nbsp;It worked just fine for me, though.<br /><br />I set up my woodburner and a work area (I used an edged cookie sheet, which wouldn't be damaged by the woodburner or hot plastic) out on the back porch--I started off indoors, but this step created some very unpleasant fumes! &nbsp;I figured it was safer to work on it outside.<br /><br />Here are the pieces I ended up cutting off of the water gun:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-f6fEdlitg/VaG6Dst6HHI/AAAAAAAACqU/fDJyPe5jwv0/s1600/20150628_210703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-f6fEdlitg/VaG6Dst6HHI/AAAAAAAACqU/fDJyPe5jwv0/s1600/20150628_210703.jpg" /></a></div><br />And here are the pieces I cut out of the pirate pistol:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p63pJu1A08E/VaG6D8HNfcI/AAAAAAAACpc/mC4IOzoDVoA/s1600/20150628_211602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p63pJu1A08E/VaG6D8HNfcI/AAAAAAAACpc/mC4IOzoDVoA/s1600/20150628_211602.jpg" /></a></div><br />I brought all my pieces back inside and laid out the ones I wanted to use:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--p2nG6XQIKc/VaG6EJP1KdI/AAAAAAAACpk/mbhfGQKuNK8/s1600/20150628_212745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--p2nG6XQIKc/VaG6EJP1KdI/AAAAAAAACpk/mbhfGQKuNK8/s1600/20150628_212745.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next came <b>reassembling the gun</b>. &nbsp;For this, I planned to fill any holes or gaps with the moldable plastic, and fit the pieces together, gluing everything in place.<br /><br />I followed the directions on the back of the bag for the InstaMorph moldable plastic. &nbsp;It starts as tiny white plastic balls, which you pour into 140*F water, and they stick together and turn clear in two minutes, at which point you can fish it out and shape it until it cools.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYGbdAQAEg4/VaG6Eo0bA6I/AAAAAAAACp0/FC18dSXRE_Q/s1600/20150628_221246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYGbdAQAEg4/VaG6Eo0bA6I/AAAAAAAACp0/FC18dSXRE_Q/s1600/20150628_221246.jpg" /></a></div><br />Every piece of this step took me several tries. &nbsp;The plastic cools rather quickly, and if you start with the wrong amount, adding more leaves quite a line where the new stuff joins the old, and pulling some off to leave yourself with less stretches out the bit you've already started shaping. &nbsp;I found the best method was to just play around with it until I had the correct amount of plastic, then re-submerge that lump (keeping it separate from what was left in the saucepan) for a good two minutes, to give myself the maximum amount of time to shape it once I'd fished it back out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkBcruFu0WI/VaG6EnTsuLI/AAAAAAAACqQ/ty86hFFCeFs/s1600/20150628_221305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkBcruFu0WI/VaG6EnTsuLI/AAAAAAAACqQ/ty86hFFCeFs/s1600/20150628_221305.jpg" /></a></div><br />I started with the most important section: where the two biggest pieces join. &nbsp;I laid an oval of plastic over the hole in the water gun, then pressed the pirate pistol into place (taking great care to line it up exactly as I wanted it) so the plastic would form correctly to both pieces. &nbsp;Then, before it could fully cool (and harden completely), I pulled it out of the water gun hole, smeared super glue on the moldable plastic in the lines where it would meet the water gun, and pushed it back into place. &nbsp;Without gluing the pirate pistol into place yet, I used the pirate pistol to press the plastic firmly against the water gun until the glue had dried sufficiently.<br /><br />Next I added the bit of plastic that would go beneath the barrel of the pirate pistol, to do away with the gap, since that piece on the side had a wider circumference than the pistol barrel and I wanted more than one point of connection between the gun pieces. &nbsp;Again, I figured out the right amount of plastic, reheated it, shaped it, pressed the pirate pistol into place to ensure the fit, removed the plastic before it hardened completely, added glue, and replaced it, using the pirate pistol to press it into place as the glue dried.<br /><br />Once both pieces of moldable plastic were solidly glued in place, I smeared super glue onto both pieces where they would meet the pirate pistol, then glued the pistol into place, pressing firmly:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_VOzAyuNFQ/VaG6FGp17mI/AAAAAAAACqM/aRhinsF4pAo/s1600/20150628_221502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_VOzAyuNFQ/VaG6FGp17mI/AAAAAAAACqM/aRhinsF4pAo/s1600/20150628_221502.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you can see, it isn't perfect--it would have been nice to have cleaner lines, rather than those lumpy, rounded edges where the plastic is--but it gets the job done.<br /><br />Next came filling all the other holes left from removing pieces of the water gun:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAQBR-eVVQ4/VaG6Fdap00I/AAAAAAAACqE/UJLEr5mCBPw/s1600/20150628_221927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAQBR-eVVQ4/VaG6Fdap00I/AAAAAAAACqE/UJLEr5mCBPw/s1600/20150628_221927.jpg" /></a></div><br />I followed the same basic steps of determining the amount of plastic needed, reheating it, shaping it, removing it, and gluing it, for each hole.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI0e2BIOeN0/VaG6F1LBTWI/AAAAAAAACqA/VDZB0XjaTLU/s1600/20150628_222148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI0e2BIOeN0/VaG6F1LBTWI/AAAAAAAACqA/VDZB0XjaTLU/s1600/20150628_222148.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once I'd glued it, I tried to smooth out the edges as best I could. &nbsp;After getting an annoying bit of super glue on my fingers, I figured out that it worked better to cover my fingers in plastic wrap (the kind you cover leftover food with), so I didn't have to touch the plastic and glue directly.<br /><br />I filled in the hole left by the water gun's trigger assembly as well, then moved on to connecting the muzzle from the pirate pistol to the front of the water gun. &nbsp;That was the hardest part, but I'm not sure there's an understandable way to explain exactly how I did it, without using pictures; but part of the problem was that I needed to fit everything perfectly <i>quickly</i>, so I really didn't have time to photograph the process. &nbsp;In summary, I inserted the barrel-end of the muzzle <i>into</i>&nbsp;the water gun, wrapped a thin piece of plastic around where the pieces joined, and glued it all in place.<br /><br />Here's a shot of both sides of the pieced-together gun:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G62Hbgq8sw/VaG6GOZnjxI/AAAAAAAACqI/dF8Jw8wQH8Y/s1600/WIP%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G62Hbgq8sw/VaG6GOZnjxI/AAAAAAAACqI/dF8Jw8wQH8Y/s1600/WIP%2B01.jpg" /></a></div><br />Definitely starting to come together!<br /><br />The next step is painting the gun, starting with <b>spray-painting the base coat</b>. &nbsp;No matter what your plans, you'll want to use a color you don't mind showing through. &nbsp;I went with a black base coat for my black-and-silver gun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj2928Z1SWY/VaG6K5VcByI/AAAAAAAACq0/uI1vQPDx0-0/s1600/20150629_142157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj2928Z1SWY/VaG6K5VcByI/AAAAAAAACq0/uI1vQPDx0-0/s1600/20150629_142157.jpg" /></a></div><br />I spray-painted one side at a time, reaching into my cardboard box to get every nook and cranny of the gun that I could. &nbsp;Following the directions on my spray paint, I let the first side dry for about an hour and a half before I flipped the gun over and sprayed the other side just as thoroughly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNh_9AzL0Vc/VaG6LEuNa0I/AAAAAAAACq8/k7yiTvT2Hic/s1600/20150704_202239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNh_9AzL0Vc/VaG6LEuNa0I/AAAAAAAACq8/k7yiTvT2Hic/s1600/20150704_202239.jpg" /></a></div><br />Still, after letting it dry for a couple days, there were bits that I had to touch up with matching acrylic paint.<br /><br />Here's a shot of both sides, once the base coat was finished:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnpQ2S0-5Bs/VaG6LOVdhJI/AAAAAAAACq4/ihI7gKjRGwo/s1600/WIP%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnpQ2S0-5Bs/VaG6LOVdhJI/AAAAAAAACq4/ihI7gKjRGwo/s1600/WIP%2B02.jpg" /></a></div><br />I actually really liked the way it looked, all black like this--very sleek. &nbsp;I considered leaving it there, and part of me still thinks I should have--but while I think the front half looks better all black, all the flourishes on the pirate pistol definitely needed to stand out with a metallic accent color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncuN25ymBoI/VaG6PyAUvgI/AAAAAAAACrU/SHqBLJq6ecw/s1600/20150705_234732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncuN25ymBoI/VaG6PyAUvgI/AAAAAAAACrU/SHqBLJq6ecw/s1600/20150705_234732.jpg" /></a></div><br />Finally, all I had left was to <b>apply the accent paint and finishing touches</b>. &nbsp;I had originally planned to use Rub'n'Buff (which so many steampunk crafters swear by--this was my first time using it) in two colors--silver leaf for the accents, and ebony for the rest. &nbsp;But after finishing a coat with the silver, I started applying the black, and realized that I actually liked the matte better. &nbsp;I think part of the problem was that I used a paintbrush, rather than my finger, to apply the Rub'n'Buff--it's a very waxy substance, and it's hard to apply much pressure with a paintbrush, so the silver wasn't smeared around as smoothly as I think it was meant to be. &nbsp;But I just had too many tiny details that needed to be painted where my fingers wouldn't fit, and there were enough parts where I knew I'd encounter the same problem with the black--so I opted to leave the nice, smooth base coat unmarred, rather than risk ending up with a rougher finish.<br /><br />Here's the finished product, from both sides:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W0Qm_ur6xI/VaG6ROkx5rI/AAAAAAAACrg/l55SllTCOrQ/s1600/WIP%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W0Qm_ur6xI/VaG6ROkx5rI/AAAAAAAACrg/l55SllTCOrQ/s1600/WIP%2B03.jpg" /></a></div><br />There are a few parts that I actually went back and touched up again after taking these pictures, like the back of the hammer:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oX30ZBEHJU/VaG6QdXNHjI/AAAAAAAACrc/wQZSzYQPZ7c/s1600/20150705_235018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oX30ZBEHJU/VaG6QdXNHjI/AAAAAAAACrc/wQZSzYQPZ7c/s1600/20150705_235018.jpg" /></a></div><br />And some of those rectangles near the muzzle:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGe7Sxm5kJI/VaG6PxynrdI/AAAAAAAACr0/t8qR5e0JCTI/s1600/20150705_234931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGe7Sxm5kJI/VaG6PxynrdI/AAAAAAAACr0/t8qR5e0JCTI/s1600/20150705_234931.jpg" /></a></div><br />The perfectionist in me has a hard time with finding the right balance between painting in every crack and cranny, and leaving a bit of the base color showing for a worn effect. &nbsp;I'm not skilled enough yet to even <i>attempt</i>&nbsp;adding battle damage to a project like this, so I wanted to leave a little black showing in some of the deeper crevices, as if some grime had been left behind by the last few cleanings, but it was hard to know how much.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbSQm86y-NM/VaG6QJmzNWI/AAAAAAAACrQ/g4uCHKOZbOs/s1600/20150705_235001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbSQm86y-NM/VaG6QJmzNWI/AAAAAAAACrQ/g4uCHKOZbOs/s1600/20150705_235001.jpg" /></a></div><br />In the end, I was pretty happy with how it turned out, especially given that this was my first time tackling a project like this!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGzxVZSgsOY/VaG6PysM_aI/AAAAAAAACro/pvR7fVj_bgw/s1600/20150705_234850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGzxVZSgsOY/VaG6PysM_aI/AAAAAAAACro/pvR7fVj_bgw/s1600/20150705_234850.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Have you ever tried your own steampunk gun mod?</b>&nbsp; If so, I'd love to see pictures! &nbsp;In fact, feel free to share pictures of steampunk <i>anything</i>&nbsp;you've crafted--link it in the comments! :-)</div></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-19745523788066466682015-07-10T06:37:00.000-07:002015-07-10T07:12:58.647-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five Spin-offs I'd Like To See Get Made.While I'm often disappointed in the execution of spin-offs, I love the idea of them. &nbsp;I love the opportunity to dive back into a world I already love, to explore it further or in a new direction. &nbsp;There are quite a few spin-offs I'd like to see get made (in fact, this topic was one of my submissions to the <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> virtual suggestion box--though I'm guessing, since no credit was assigned, I wasn't the only one to suggest it!), so I really didn't have to think very hard to come up with a list for this week's prompt. &nbsp;Here are the ones I would be most excited to see:<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Firefly: The Next Generation</b><br /><b><br /></b>This is at the top of my list, hands down. &nbsp;It's been over a decade since the show&nbsp;<i>and</i>&nbsp;the movie now, so I think it's highly unlikely we'll ever get a continuation picking up where we left off. &nbsp;<i>But</i>...next generation, anyone?</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/32300000/Firefly-firefly-32398739-400-186.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/32300000/Firefly-firefly-32398739-400-186.gif" height="185" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll admit I've only read about half of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_(comics)">comics</a> released, but I know that it's revealed in "Float Out" (which I haven't read yet) that Zoe, after the events of <i>Serenity</i>, is pregnant with Wash's daughter. &nbsp;We know Kaylee and Simon didn't waste any time getting busy by the end of <i>Serenity</i>, so they probably popped out a few kids of their own, and surely Mal and Inara produced some beautiful offspring as well. &nbsp;Add in a few of Jayne's bastards (you know they exist), and you've got a whole new crew to keep our beloved Firefly flying high. &nbsp;Seeing Serenity back in the air (and on the air) would be my very favorite thing! &nbsp;<i>You can't stop the signal</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/firefly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/firefly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>2. Doctor Who: Rose's Torchwood/Doctor Who: UNIT</b><br /><br />I'm one of the newer Whovians--I didn't grow up on the original series, but I found the new series during my second pregnancy and binge-watched all that was available (through Matt Smith's first season, I think) with my then-one-and-a-half-year-old (who, at four now, consequently still <i>loves</i>&nbsp;the TARDIS). &nbsp;We got a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485301/">"Torchwood"</a> spin-off, which I enjoyed, but it definitely took a very different (and far less family-friendly) tone than "Doctor Who", and I'd like to see a spin-off more in keeping with the overall feel of its predecessor.<br /><br />There are a few characters I'd love to see more of, so I actually have two ideas for spin-offs I'd love to see from this fandom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZfjlYDYtwo/VZ7NEXtd0sI/AAAAAAAACoA/A8BMUMdK0sA/s1600/Project1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZfjlYDYtwo/VZ7NEXtd0sI/AAAAAAAACoA/A8BMUMdK0sA/s400/Project1.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br />1) <b>Rose's Torchwood:</b> Ten is my favorite Doctor, so I'd <i>love</i>&nbsp;to see more Tennant in a series exploring the function of Torchwood in Rose's parallel universe. &nbsp;As "Torchwood" (the show) proved, there's plenty for Torchwood to do <i>without</i>&nbsp;the Doctor, so I don't think that a human Ten, without his Time Lord-iness and TARDIS, would detract from anything, and I'd love to see more of the badass Torchwood Rose we got a taste of when she jumped back to help Doctor-Donna save the world.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbXpnIB2SO8/VZ7NJAu6xwI/AAAAAAAACoI/X1hvB7sJyBo/s1600/Project2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbXpnIB2SO8/VZ7NJAu6xwI/AAAAAAAACoI/X1hvB7sJyBo/s400/Project2.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><br />2) <b>UNIT: &nbsp;</b>Martha is underrated. &nbsp;I was heartbroken with Ten when he lost Rose, so Martha just couldn't compare for me either, and Donna remains my favorite companion of all time, but upon rewatching the series, I realized that Martha was actually pretty awesome. &nbsp;Intelligent, resourceful, resilient, and determined, she saved the world when the Doctor needed her most. &nbsp;And I always felt bad for Mickey after Rose left him for the Doctor, so I loved that we got that shot of him and Martha in "The End of Time". &nbsp;I'd love to see a series delve into Martha's career at UNIT, her and Mickey's freelance alien-fighting, and how the two of them ended up together.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>3. The Silmarillion: Beren and Luthien</b><br /><b><br /></b>Confession: My daughter's middle name is "Eowyn", but I've never even read <i>The Silmarillion</i>. &nbsp;Though I loved <i>The Hobbit</i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<i>The Lord of the Rings</i>&nbsp;trilogy, I've only skimmed bits of <i>The Silmarillion</i>, and just never got around to actually reading it in its entirety. &nbsp;But since Peter Jackson just came off his latest Middle-Earth kick, I'd love to see him take some of the better stories (like the tale of Beren and Luthien) from <i>The Silmarillion</i>, and turn them into movies of their own.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gi9IUkIxgM/VUtr-M7MQ9I/AAAAAAAACUM/WGGYJAbsiMI/s1600/CourtofThingolandMelian-progress-7-donato-2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gi9IUkIxgM/VUtr-M7MQ9I/AAAAAAAACUM/WGGYJAbsiMI/s1600/CourtofThingolandMelian-progress-7-donato-2000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Beren and Luthien in the Court of Thingol and Melian" by Donato Giancola</td></tr></tbody></table><br />More than just a love story, the tale of Beren and Luthien centers around a dangerous quest to retrieve one of the stolen Silmarils, and they <i>both</i>&nbsp;(yeah, Luthien's fairly badass, too) have to overcome obstacles and fend off bad guys (including orcs, werewolves, and Sauron himself) before they find a happily ever after together. &nbsp;Just, please, Peter Jackson, if you <i>do&nbsp;</i>do it--stick to&nbsp;<i>one</i>&nbsp;movie per story! ;-)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>4. The Walking Dead: Vatos</b><br /><b><br /></b>I've wanted a "The Walking Dead" spin-off since I first discovered the show after its second season, as I was waiting for season three and dying for more zombie apocalypse to feed my newest obsession. &nbsp;The whole post-apocalyptic survival scenario is fascinating to me (and, obviously, to hordes of other fans who have made the show such a hit), and I've always been curious how groups other than Rick's have fought for survival in the world created in the "The Walking Dead". I'm torn between wanting to see what's going on elsewhere in the world during the zombie apocalypse, and following up with some of the characters we've already met on the original show. &nbsp;I've always wondered what happened to Morales and his family after they left for Albuquerque instead of the CDC, but even more, I'd love to find out how the fierce but good-hearted group we met in the episode "Vatos" fared after our characters' departure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPX2oTuUPHc/VZ7QdetDTZI/AAAAAAAACoU/tOEyKOxYu88/s1600/Project3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPX2oTuUPHc/VZ7QdetDTZI/AAAAAAAACoU/tOEyKOxYu88/s400/Project3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />These dudes, scary as they first seem to be, turn out to be the only ones who stuck around to take care of the elderly residents left behind in this nursing home. &nbsp;The selfless don't seem to survive long in this new world, but I'd like to see if Guillermo and his guys could have the strength to weather the inevitable turn we know so many of their patients will take, and everything that follows after a hit like that on a good group. &nbsp;I'm rooting for them, and hoping Rick and the rest cross paths with them again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/318/files/2015/04/fear-850x560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/318/files/2015/04/fear-850x560.jpg" height="372" width="400" /></a></div><br />Fortunately, though we're not likely to see more of those guys, we <i>are</i>&nbsp;getting a <a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Fear-Walking-Dead-Trailer-Teaser-Get-You-Hyped-Show-70990.html">spin-off series</a>&nbsp;later this year, set on the West Coast, and this companion series will start before the current show did, meaning we'll get to see how the zombie outbreak began. &nbsp;Dying to see it!</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>5. Galaxy Quest: The Show</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>By Grabthar's hammer, I would love to watch the actual "Galaxy Quest" show. &nbsp;Who <i>didn't</i>&nbsp;love the movie?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr06/2013/8/28/10/enhanced-buzz-18007-1377701783-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr06/2013/8/28/10/enhanced-buzz-18007-1377701783-11.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Picard loved it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rumor is, we may actually get a chance to <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/galaxy-quest-tv-series-works-790532">see the show</a>. &nbsp;I expect it will be necessary to find a different cast--the movie, made sixteen years ago, was supposed to take place eighteen years after the <i>end</i>&nbsp;of the show's run--but hopefully the writers will find a good balance between creating a show that takes itself seriously as sci-fi (which the original was meant to have done) and maintaining the sense of humor that the original actors brought to the movie.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bedlammag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Galaxy-Quest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bedlammag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Galaxy-Quest.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br />That wraps up my top five (well, six--I cheated a bit with two "Doctor Who" ideas) spin-offs I'd love to see! &nbsp;<b>What spin-offs would you most like to see get made?</b></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-75058648163867031022015-07-07T20:58:00.000-07:002015-10-02T23:52:34.500-07:00District 5: Pizza Bread.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><br />District 5's bread isn't described in the books, but we do know that this district's primary industry was power (electric, solar, wind, etc.) and that they were one of the wealthiest of the twelve districts. &nbsp;This gave me a little liberty to try out a bread that looked delicious, but that might be tougher to pull off in another district, given the numerous (and diverse) ingredients and the need to refrigerate the dough (of all the districts, District 5 would be most likely, I surmise, to have household refrigerators).<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKZyp2n9gLI/VZyJt9nTzfI/AAAAAAAACnU/82IgynZ9mQQ/s1600/D5%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKZyp2n9gLI/VZyJt9nTzfI/AAAAAAAACnU/82IgynZ9mQQ/s640/D5%2BTitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 5: Pizza Bread.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />The inspiration for this recipe was <a href="http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2013/07/a-year-of-yeast-pizza-bread.html">this one</a>, which was adapted from <a href="http://ivoryhut.com/2010/08/crazy-pizza-bread/">this one</a>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><br /><ul><li>3/4 cup warm water</li><li>1 tsp yeast</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>2 tsp sugar</li><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 1/2 cups pizza toppings of your choice</li><li>2 cups shredded mozzarella</li><li>Olive oil, to taste</li><li>Optional: marinara, for dipping</li></ul><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK4IcpkiS5k/VZyJLxXIwRI/AAAAAAAACiU/e2Qu3HJ_4SU/s1600/20150707_105328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK4IcpkiS5k/VZyJLxXIwRI/AAAAAAAACiU/e2Qu3HJ_4SU/s1600/20150707_105328.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />The first thing I did was roast a head of garlic, since I wanted roasted garlic as one of my pizza toppings mix-ins (I'd definitely recommend it!). &nbsp;To do this, preheat the oven to 350*F, and start with a head of garlic:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxIpxuJBQ9o/VZyJKfJ8AqI/AAAAAAAACh0/KHjqIkyxO6E/s1600/20150707_100649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxIpxuJBQ9o/VZyJKfJ8AqI/AAAAAAAACh0/KHjqIkyxO6E/s1600/20150707_100649.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Peel off the outer layer:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTXizvgYj_w/VZyJKc8Gb8I/AAAAAAAACiA/xqgJd1LeRh0/s1600/20150707_100848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTXizvgYj_w/VZyJKc8Gb8I/AAAAAAAACiA/xqgJd1LeRh0/s1600/20150707_100848.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cut the tops off of as many bulbs as possible:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCQfJ8n0cew/VZyJKSsdfxI/AAAAAAAACio/NwXhqir8Q18/s1600/20150707_101218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCQfJ8n0cew/VZyJKSsdfxI/AAAAAAAACio/NwXhqir8Q18/s1600/20150707_101218.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Place, tops up, on a large piece of foil:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NK7Ara1oiQ/VZyJK8eoTfI/AAAAAAAACic/yjoNWGe2MeM/s1600/20150707_101300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NK7Ara1oiQ/VZyJK8eoTfI/AAAAAAAACic/yjoNWGe2MeM/s1600/20150707_101300.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Drizzle liberally with olive oil:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1n_2aiSO3g/VZyJLcxNddI/AAAAAAAACiQ/j9dNidaM7CU/s1600/20150707_101435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1n_2aiSO3g/VZyJLcxNddI/AAAAAAAACiQ/j9dNidaM7CU/s1600/20150707_101435.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wrap in foil:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iDdFzmwbw8/VZyJLSETcXI/AAAAAAAACiM/Y_5Z2Lgo6w0/s1600/20150707_101538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iDdFzmwbw8/VZyJLSETcXI/AAAAAAAACiM/Y_5Z2Lgo6w0/s1600/20150707_101538.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And bake for half an hour:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnuXWQZnqTU/VZyJLmdv4DI/AAAAAAAACis/xu0ga1by82U/s1600/20150707_101615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnuXWQZnqTU/VZyJLmdv4DI/AAAAAAAACis/xu0ga1by82U/s1600/20150707_101615.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once the garlic is done roasting, open the foil and let the head cool while you start on the bread.</div><div><br /></div><div>In your mixing bowl, add the yeast to the warm water, stirring to dissolve:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lruohNgZdrQ/VZyJMLEIYAI/AAAAAAAACiw/sYF60Z5m9eg/s1600/20150707_105534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lruohNgZdrQ/VZyJMLEIYAI/AAAAAAAACiw/sYF60Z5m9eg/s1600/20150707_105534.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add the salt and sugar, and stir to mix:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqkG0C6qgzE/VZyJMGcTEZI/AAAAAAAAClg/siuBYWTeTI8/s1600/20150707_105559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqkG0C6qgzE/VZyJMGcTEZI/AAAAAAAAClg/siuBYWTeTI8/s1600/20150707_105559.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next, add your flour:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJGgYVixtLc/VZyJMpI81RI/AAAAAAAACkE/XXFH__Sh7d8/s1600/20150707_110021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJGgYVixtLc/VZyJMpI81RI/AAAAAAAACkE/XXFH__Sh7d8/s1600/20150707_110021.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Knead, by hand or by mixer. &nbsp;If you have a stand mixer, you can let it do the hard work...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVNBfxeF18I/VZyJMw3AkBI/AAAAAAAAClU/2cCNyQhD3e0/s1600/20150707_110139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVNBfxeF18I/VZyJMw3AkBI/AAAAAAAAClU/2cCNyQhD3e0/s1600/20150707_110139.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...while you start prepping the toppings:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIi61sjco0U/VZyJO_vIQtI/AAAAAAAACjc/es-wxqltax8/s1600/20150707_111110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIi61sjco0U/VZyJO_vIQtI/AAAAAAAACjc/es-wxqltax8/s1600/20150707_111110.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You can see that the roasted garlic is minced on that plate. &nbsp;If it's one of your toppings, too, then once the head of garlic has cooled enough to be handled, remove it from the foil:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcXL_VGc38U/VZyJNF8XhrI/AAAAAAAAClI/ZYAj39Vl30c/s1600/20150707_110141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcXL_VGc38U/VZyJNF8XhrI/AAAAAAAAClI/ZYAj39Vl30c/s1600/20150707_110141.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Squeeze each bulb from the bottom to push it out the cut-open top:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1b5rvGzz_A4/VZyJObpZprI/AAAAAAAACj4/rVgXRyJlI3o/s1600/20150707_110254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1b5rvGzz_A4/VZyJObpZprI/AAAAAAAACj4/rVgXRyJlI3o/s1600/20150707_110254.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, you could probably just mash it into tiny pieces with your fingers--it's super soft and squishy. &nbsp;But I prefer to use my garlic press:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNL_wrT5pio/VZyJOc910YI/AAAAAAAACkc/2kb3Kj8UYps/s1600/20150707_110712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNL_wrT5pio/VZyJOc910YI/AAAAAAAACkc/2kb3Kj8UYps/s1600/20150707_110712.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I ended up with quite a pile:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxCwdacNOOU/VZyJOhiFfgI/AAAAAAAACjQ/90dhp3fJhMg/s1600/20150707_110908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxCwdacNOOU/VZyJOhiFfgI/AAAAAAAACjQ/90dhp3fJhMg/s1600/20150707_110908.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On to other toppings! &nbsp;I opted for a few classics--pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, and red and green peppers, all of which were easy to find in the pizza aisle of the grocery store.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DYEtaqPg3Gg/VZyJPQe4ZRI/AAAAAAAACjo/9bQNAbmayb0/s1600/20150707_111256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DYEtaqPg3Gg/VZyJPQe4ZRI/AAAAAAAACjo/9bQNAbmayb0/s1600/20150707_111256.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It would have been nice to use diced pepperoni, but I was too lazy to shop around for it. &nbsp;Instead, I just chopped these up into small enough pieces:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1iP-2R2QNU/VZyJPXufMDI/AAAAAAAACjk/2_Zi2wTwl9E/s1600/20150707_111646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1iP-2R2QNU/VZyJPXufMDI/AAAAAAAACjk/2_Zi2wTwl9E/s1600/20150707_111646.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't sure how well I'd like the tomatoes and peppers--I'm a picky eater--so I went light on those, but I did want enough to add a little flavor (and color):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVTiNbrfiEw/VZyJPl2gsRI/AAAAAAAACj0/kft1pfhJctQ/s1600/20150707_111837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVTiNbrfiEw/VZyJPl2gsRI/AAAAAAAACj0/kft1pfhJctQ/s1600/20150707_111837.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here they are, all chopped:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IF4Hpa0PMqg/VZyJUPfmGGI/AAAAAAAACl0/XrES61gpDPk/s1600/20150707_112156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IF4Hpa0PMqg/VZyJUPfmGGI/AAAAAAAACl0/XrES61gpDPk/s1600/20150707_112156.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This bit is so very customizeable. &nbsp;You'll want to end up with about a cup and a half of toppings to mix in, but they can be in whatever ratio you prefer, so I just winged it and filled the measuring cups as I liked--starting with the tomatoes and peppers:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8i2OYMV8Zk/VZyJQOB4m3I/AAAAAAAACkA/fiSofzOw7aA/s1600/20150707_112231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8i2OYMV8Zk/VZyJQOB4m3I/AAAAAAAACkA/fiSofzOw7aA/s1600/20150707_112231.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next up, I knew I probably wanted to use ALL the pepperoni, so I topped off the half-cup:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1sBbm5vdpA/VZyJQgJupII/AAAAAAAACkM/BVnJaFZznU8/s1600/20150707_112254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1sBbm5vdpA/VZyJQgJupII/AAAAAAAACkM/BVnJaFZznU8/s1600/20150707_112254.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also knew I wanted a LOT of grated Parmesan, so I filled the one-cup almost halfway:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asWwI1WuJTE/VZyJQ7ZcXlI/AAAAAAAACkY/SsBxniqz9mI/s1600/20150707_112443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asWwI1WuJTE/VZyJQ7ZcXlI/AAAAAAAACkY/SsBxniqz9mI/s1600/20150707_112443.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next, about two-thirds of the garlic I'd pressed:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VA_hQ2zHV-s/VZyJRUn6MoI/AAAAAAAACk8/IjIciGhzpSM/s1600/20150707_112459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VA_hQ2zHV-s/VZyJRUn6MoI/AAAAAAAACk8/IjIciGhzpSM/s1600/20150707_112459.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And the rest of the pepperoni:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnvwz-mqB4s/VZyJRkfASfI/AAAAAAAACkw/exubhBBOvN8/s1600/20150707_112529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnvwz-mqB4s/VZyJRkfASfI/AAAAAAAACkw/exubhBBOvN8/s1600/20150707_112529.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I added crushed red peppers and quite a bit of oregano:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iDvkp9i-i8/VZyJRhaAmxI/AAAAAAAACks/26-eDctR0rk/s1600/20150707_112610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iDvkp9i-i8/VZyJRhaAmxI/AAAAAAAACks/26-eDctR0rk/s1600/20150707_112610.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And topped it off with more Parmesan:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoV-c-TwdOE/VZyJSDg8NTI/AAAAAAAACk4/5VnJ9tewgPc/s1600/20150707_112628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoV-c-TwdOE/VZyJSDg8NTI/AAAAAAAACk4/5VnJ9tewgPc/s1600/20150707_112628.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At some point, my mixer had kneaded the dough well enough, so I turned it off when it looked like this:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6eawlrIAoI/VZyJOqxbX5I/AAAAAAAACjs/FWe9m7OBFRs/s1600/20150707_110858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6eawlrIAoI/VZyJOqxbX5I/AAAAAAAACjs/FWe9m7OBFRs/s1600/20150707_110858.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When all the toppings are ready, transfer the dough into a large bowl:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvzNa4MyboU/VZyJSNNKEUI/AAAAAAAAClw/fwfzAMaQGQo/s1600/20150707_113034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvzNa4MyboU/VZyJSNNKEUI/AAAAAAAAClw/fwfzAMaQGQo/s1600/20150707_113034.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add your toppings:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPe_0mjJpuI/VZyJSTrMKII/AAAAAAAAClE/xkhB4seShYA/s1600/20150707_113107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPe_0mjJpuI/VZyJSTrMKII/AAAAAAAAClE/xkhB4seShYA/s1600/20150707_113107.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And knead by hand, thoroughly mixing in all ingredients:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3rLVHT3HYc/VZyJSkOshrI/AAAAAAAAClQ/fD9Jau9ZbjU/s1600/20150707_113342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3rLVHT3HYc/VZyJSkOshrI/AAAAAAAAClQ/fD9Jau9ZbjU/s1600/20150707_113342.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for an hour on the counter:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lku_bgTSL3k/VZyJTH8iYAI/AAAAAAAAClc/BtTllhS0ImE/s1600/20150707_113429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lku_bgTSL3k/VZyJTH8iYAI/AAAAAAAAClc/BtTllhS0ImE/s1600/20150707_113429.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After an hour, it'll look like this:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5UTHpnOURc/VZyJTg4e0rI/AAAAAAAAClk/BeRto50H2mw/s1600/20150707_123519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5UTHpnOURc/VZyJTg4e0rI/AAAAAAAAClk/BeRto50H2mw/s1600/20150707_123519.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Transfer it to the refrigerator for another hour (I left it uncovered, but it doesn't make much difference):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J71n2CQAyTg/VZyJqfDhxmI/AAAAAAAACmI/o_o1DJg0zFc/s1600/20150707_123510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J71n2CQAyTg/VZyJqfDhxmI/AAAAAAAACmI/o_o1DJg0zFc/s1600/20150707_123510.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once it's been in the fridge for an hour, preheat the oven to 450*F and prepare a floured surface to work on:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97T5A711vx0/VZyJqyQIhQI/AAAAAAAACmk/zy9L_Hb5VLg/s1600/20150707_133028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97T5A711vx0/VZyJqyQIhQI/AAAAAAAACmk/zy9L_Hb5VLg/s1600/20150707_133028.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what it looks like, just out of the fridge:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3naHCkv4bU/VZyJqVzChKI/AAAAAAAACmE/XelLRBDzaoA/s1600/20150707_133506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3naHCkv4bU/VZyJqVzChKI/AAAAAAAACmE/XelLRBDzaoA/s1600/20150707_133506.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spread the dough into a large rectangle on your floured surface:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuAAFr-3PM8/VZyJq-aiMVI/AAAAAAAACmU/ELer4pmJvEQ/s1600/20150707_133652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuAAFr-3PM8/VZyJq-aiMVI/AAAAAAAACmU/ELer4pmJvEQ/s1600/20150707_133652.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, pile on the mozzarella:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvISgF4nPpQ/VZyJq4z43UI/AAAAAAAACmc/0n4pl2JvhxE/s1600/20150707_133850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvISgF4nPpQ/VZyJq4z43UI/AAAAAAAACmc/0n4pl2JvhxE/s1600/20150707_133850.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My life motto is, always err on the side of too much mozzarella. &nbsp;There's rarely any such thing as too much mozzarella, so this rule is usually for the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, fold one side of the dough over the cheese, pressing edges to seal shut:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4xFqKmhZ6c/VZyJrEio6II/AAAAAAAACmw/sp9io_IC7p8/s1600/20150707_134006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4xFqKmhZ6c/VZyJrEio6II/AAAAAAAACmw/sp9io_IC7p8/s1600/20150707_134006.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Trying to keep all the cheese in while I stretched the dough around it was a little like those last desperate days of trying to wear normal jeans a few months into pregnancy...it fits if you move slowly and keep pushing it in as you go... :-P &nbsp;It's worth it, though! &nbsp;The cheese, that is. &nbsp;As for the other, just give in to the stretchy maternity jeans...they're much comfier. ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the oven is preheated, let the dough rest another 20 minutes while the oven stays hot. &nbsp;Then bake your loaf, on a pizza stone or baking sheet, for 15-20 minutes:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cf33YhVU9dI/VZyJrjlphSI/AAAAAAAACm0/q_h54cMJH0Y/s1600/20150707_134152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cf33YhVU9dI/VZyJrjlphSI/AAAAAAAACm0/q_h54cMJH0Y/s1600/20150707_134152.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Towards the end, take the loaf out of the oven and brush it with a bit of olive oil, then pop it back in for the last minute or two. &nbsp;Once it's done, let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before you slice it:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fmwGR8jOQA/VZyJr2TAGtI/AAAAAAAACnY/ApUBJF1AQJw/s1600/20150707_142232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fmwGR8jOQA/VZyJr2TAGtI/AAAAAAAACnY/ApUBJF1AQJw/s1600/20150707_142232.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty, isn't it? :-)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>You should probably use a bigger plate, or whatever surface, to cut it on than I did:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDWs3ZMsrc0/VZyJsD1ifSI/AAAAAAAACnA/Pn7osQ92V7E/s1600/20150707_143246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDWs3ZMsrc0/VZyJsD1ifSI/AAAAAAAACnA/Pn7osQ92V7E/s1600/20150707_143246.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My way was awkward, but I'm lazy like that...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Q5XjpOI7U/VZyJsdQmNnI/AAAAAAAACnE/pWxuGeG0YNQ/s1600/20150707_143515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Q5XjpOI7U/VZyJsdQmNnI/AAAAAAAACnE/pWxuGeG0YNQ/s1600/20150707_143515.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just look at all that oozy goodness! &nbsp;"Too much" mozzarella was definitely a good choice. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lxIS-7YclE/VZyJsxJADCI/AAAAAAAACnM/zKcEN6ULBsA/s1600/20150707_144022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lxIS-7YclE/VZyJsxJADCI/AAAAAAAACnM/zKcEN6ULBsA/s1600/20150707_144022.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We polished off almost the entire loaf in one sitting. &nbsp;It was <i>delicious</i>. &nbsp;This one is definitely going to be happening again in my house!</div><div><br /></div><div>And for your cut-and-paste convenience:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pizza Bread</b></div><ul><li>3/4 cup warm water</li><li>1 tsp yeast</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>2 tsp sugar</li><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 1/2 cups pizza toppings of your choice</li><li>2 cups shredded mozzarella</li><li>Olive oil, to taste</li><li>Optional: marinara, for dipping</li></ul><ol><li>In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.</li><li>Add salt and sugar; stir to mix.</li><li>Add flour; knead to mix.</li><li>Prepare toppings, in small pieces for mixing into dough.</li><li>Add toppings; knead to combine thoroughly.</li><li>Let dough rise for one hour.</li><li>Transfer dough to refrigerator, for one hour.</li><li>Preheat oven to 450*F.</li><li>On floured surface, spread dough into large rectangle.</li><li>Top with mozzarella, leaving room along edges.</li><li>Fold dough, lengthwise, over cheese; press edges to seal.</li><li>Let dough rest for 20 minutes, while oven is hot.</li><li>Bake dough on pizza stone or baking sheet, for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. &nbsp;Remove bread from oven 1-3 minutes early to brush with olive oil, then let finish baking.</li><li>Let bread cool on wire rack before slicing.</li><li>If desired, serve with marinara.</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIBkq-NAKK0/VZyJsgND2eI/AAAAAAAACnI/3_4yjP7nEh8/s1600/20150707_144015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIBkq-NAKK0/VZyJsgND2eI/AAAAAAAACnI/3_4yjP7nEh8/s1600/20150707_144015.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>So, how'd you fare last time? &nbsp;I warned you they were a little harder than usual--so this week's reference to another fandom is a little more obvious, to make up for it! &nbsp;You may have already spotted it:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKZyp2n9gLI/VZyJt9nTzfI/AAAAAAAACnc/gztvdpya9bU/s1600/D5%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKZyp2n9gLI/VZyJt9nTzfI/AAAAAAAACnc/gztvdpya9bU/s640/D5%2BTitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Find it yet? &nbsp;If not, stay tuned, and I'll point it out in the next District Bread post! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for the last post's reveal?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9ol-JFcXh8/VZyJ0eY3tiI/AAAAAAAACnk/KOBsFaYJvsQ/s1600/D4%2Btitle%2BEaster%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9ol-JFcXh8/VZyJ0eY3tiI/AAAAAAAACnk/KOBsFaYJvsQ/s640/D4%2Btitle%2BEaster%2Beggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I left you with the clue that you'd need to think a little old school for these ones--in fact, these cult classics came out in 1979 and 1993. &nbsp;The name on the little boat is "Nostromo", which is the name of the mining spaceship in "Alien" (1979), on which almost the entire movie takes place; and the three seashells are a reference to "Demolition Man" (1993) (Spartan: "You're out of toilet paper. [...] The place where you're supposed to have the toilet paper, you've got this little shelf with three seashells on it." Someone else: "He doesn't know how to use the three seashells!" Was anyone else <i>super</i>&nbsp;curious how on earth <i>that</i>&nbsp;worked by the end of the movie? &nbsp;They never explained it!!).</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you've caught this week's Easter egg, or if you try out this District 5 bread for yourself! &nbsp;As always, may the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/10/district-6-lemon-rosemary-thyme-focaccia.html">District 6</a>?)</i></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-50460697101199255662015-07-03T07:13:00.001-07:002015-07-03T07:13:38.134-07:005 Fandom Friday: Five Favorite Aliens.There are two directions I considered taking this week's <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> topic--since there's no overlap between the two, I really couldn't decide, so I just made two lists for this week. :-P<br /><br />First off, <b>five aliens I'd like to meet</b>:<br /><br /><b>1. The Doctor (Time Lord - Doctor Who)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/50004076/large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/50004076/large.gif" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ten FTW.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b>I'd love to go adventuring with any incarnation of the Doctor, really, but Ten was my favorite. &nbsp;I loved his enthusiastic highs and his melancholy lows, and I bawled more during his seasons than I have <i>ever </i>cried at a TV show (granted, I binge-watched during my second pregnancy...so I blame it largely on that). &nbsp;And, of course, there's the hair. &nbsp;Who wouldn't want to see that in person? &nbsp;<i>Allons-y!</i><br /><br /><b>2. Chewbacca (Wookiee - Star Wars)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/tumblr_mm62shtSzx1qcga5ro1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/tumblr_mm62shtSzx1qcga5ro1_500.gif" height="193" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Because Han and Chewie were my heroes as a kid. &nbsp;My most constant friend during my childhood was my dog (we moved a lot), so Han and Chewie's friendship made sense to me despite the fact that the rest of us have no clue what Chewie's ever saying. &nbsp;Even as a kid, I loved the badass smugglers vibe--fast ship, no-nonsense weaponry, and an attitude. &nbsp;I always belonged more on the&nbsp;<i>Millennium&nbsp;Falcon </i>than at Jedi Academy, and I would have loved a Wookiee friend like Chewbacca.<br /><b><br /></b><b>3. Wicket (Ewok - Star Wars)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/c078e6698cbd1fa423104e4461ab14c3/tumblr_inline_n0ic4bQLd21rh3k1r.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/c078e6698cbd1fa423104e4461ab14c3/tumblr_inline_n0ic4bQLd21rh3k1r.gif" height="163" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>And then there are the Ewoks, my other favorite furry aliens from the <i>Star Wars</i>&nbsp;universe. &nbsp;Surprisingly tenacious for a race of teddy bears, I just want to hug them all. &nbsp;But especially Wicket, the first Ewok we meet through Princess Leia on the forest moon of Endor. &nbsp;I have a still have a stuffed toy of him somewhere that I acquired when I was eight...<br /><b><br /></b><b>4. Thor (Asgardian - The Avengers)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static2.refinery29.com/bin/entry/e68/x/1121549/wink-thor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static2.refinery29.com/bin/entry/e68/x/1121549/wink-thor.gif" height="400" width="387" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Do I need to use words to explain this one? &nbsp;Just sign me up.<br /><b><br /></b><b>5. Ro Laren (Bajoran - Star Trek)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls7w9jqVWa1qd5tdto2_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls7w9jqVWa1qd5tdto2_r1_250.gif" height="310" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Confession: I haven't actually finished watching "Star Trek: The Next Generation" yet--I'm halfway through season six. &nbsp;But from what I've seen so far, I think I would get along well with Ensign Ro. &nbsp;She's grumpy and straightfoward, disciplined but with a strong rebellious streak. &nbsp;I like her.<br /><b><br /></b>And my second interpretation of the prompt, the&nbsp;<b>five most fascinating aliens</b>:<br /><br /><b>1. Xenomorphs (Alien)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://31.media.tumblr.com/03174a6b040a700f214f0f60e5eec446/tumblr_nbwng6xMfu1rp0vkjo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/03174a6b040a700f214f0f60e5eec446/tumblr_nbwng6xMfu1rp0vkjo1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>I can count on one hand how many times I've seen any of the <i>Alien</i>&nbsp;movies, but though I'm no expert on the franchise, I think the Xenomorph species is one of the most fascinating alien species ever created. &nbsp;Their life cycle of host-detecting egg, impregnating face-hugger, and then emerging worm that grows rapidly into the terrifying final form (complete with a second mouth on its tongue and acid blood), is such an interesting progression. &nbsp;I would love to study them. &nbsp;From a distance. &nbsp;A very vast, very safe distance.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/aliens/images/f/ff/XenomorphXX121.png/revision/latest?cb=20141005001209" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/aliens/images/f/ff/XenomorphXX121.png/revision/latest?cb=20141005001209" height="400" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xenomorph.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><b>2. &nbsp;Weeping Angels (Doctor Who)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/c/cb/Weeping_angel_gif.gif/revision/latest?cb=20140518000528" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/c/cb/Weeping_angel_gif.gif/revision/latest?cb=20140518000528" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DON'T BLINK.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b>Another incredibly creative species, I am intrigued by the defining defense mechanism of the Weeping Angels--turning to stone when anything living is looking at them, which is why they hide their eyes. &nbsp;Our inability to observe the nature of the species in their true form, which they only take when <i>un</i>observed, leaves me utterly fascinated. &nbsp;What is their skin like? &nbsp;Are they dressed colorfully? &nbsp;Do they fly? &nbsp;How do they interact with one another? &nbsp;What do they do in their spare time? &nbsp;The "lonely assassins" are just so unknown, I can't help but want to see more of them. &nbsp;Just DON'T BLINK.<br /><b><br /></b><b>3. The Borg (Star Trek)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q52pjuypEVs/Ui0xuklwthI/AAAAAAAABkM/Y3d3tA7W2Lk/s1600/ST+TNG+Hugh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q52pjuypEVs/Ui0xuklwthI/AAAAAAAABkM/Y3d3tA7W2Lk/s1600/ST+TNG+Hugh.gif" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Again, I'm still a season and a half away from being done with TNG, and I haven't seen any of the "Star Trek" series to come after it, but I already love the idea of the Borg. &nbsp;I find the concept of a hive mind fascinating, though undesirable. &nbsp;But the Borg represent such a truth: that, in reality, total peace within a race is only achievable at the cost of free will. &nbsp;As long as we <i>can </i>disagree, we will, and we will fight over our different ideas of what is "right". &nbsp;Mankind can have peace, or free will; we will never have both.<br /><b><br /></b><b>4. &nbsp;The Ood (Doctor Who)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9bb4mGC1C1qax22ko2_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9bb4mGC1C1qax22ko2_500.gif" height="230" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b>My fascination with the Ood begins in a similar place as with the Borg, with the idea of a hive mind. &nbsp;But unlike the Borg--who achieve peace by complete subjugation--the Ood represent an ideal rather than reality: that an advanced race is capable of choosing a level of peaceful coexistence such that the every member of the entire race can walk around with an external brain in their hand, and no one will harm them (at least, of their own race--humans are another story).<br /><b><br /></b><b>5. &nbsp;Unnamed race of aliens (Independence Day)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--CNNWBlvq--/18rimc64flaa9gif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--CNNWBlvq--/18rimc64flaa9gif.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Earth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It would feel wrong to talk about aliens this holiday weekend without including the race featured in <i>Independence Day</i>. &nbsp;With their superior technology--the most interesting of which is their biomechanical protective suits--and telepathic abilities, I'm not entirely sure mankind really would have stood a chance, but I look forward to seeing Will Smith kick some alien butt this weekend as we celebrate the 4th with an annual re-watch.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/aliens/images/b/b2/Alien_Independence_Day.png/revision/latest?cb=20110124141918" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/aliens/images/b/b2/Alien_Independence_Day.png/revision/latest?cb=20110124141918" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Independence Day" alien.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>So which are <i>your</i>&nbsp;favorite aliens?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-87746646433309162572015-06-26T18:22:00.000-07:002015-06-26T18:22:24.530-07:005 Fandom Friday: Fandom Guilty Pleasures.<div>I think there's a notion that's commonly accepted that once you're a grown-up, you shouldn't get too excited about things that "don't matter". &nbsp;Grown-ups are allowed to get excited, to an appropriate degree, over things like toilet paper being on sale (I still remember the first time I got excited over that), but we're supposed to leave behind the things of our childhood. &nbsp;After all, we have responsibilities now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bull<strike>shit</strike>&nbsp;crap (sorry, Mom).</div><div><br /></div><div>I bought into that for a little while. &nbsp;Or at least, I kept my excitement curbed to more "appropriate" levels, because I didn't have anyone around me who geeked out about the things I loved. &nbsp;I think it's even harder as a mom--when your kids take up as much time and attention as they do, there's very little time for you to be your own person; other moms often reinforce the expectation that your mom-ness needs to utterly define you, at least for this stage of life. &nbsp;But you know what? &nbsp;It isn't true.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am me. &nbsp;What matters to me, <i>matters</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, being an adult and wife and mother means that I need to make time for my responsibilities, and, consequently, I have less time for myself. &nbsp;But I think finding the freedom to be myself, within the context of those responsibilities, is important not just for myself, but for my kids. &nbsp;Like it says in my sidebar-bio, I want my kids to passionately pursue whatever it is they love, and I want them to have the courage to speak up about and fight for what matters to them. &nbsp;I want them to know that they are okay <i>being who they are</i>, no matter what others think. &nbsp;And I think that message starts with me leading by example.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I quit being afraid to embrace my geekiness. &nbsp;Of course, there are a still a <i>few</i>&nbsp;things that I'm almost-but-not-really ashamed to admit publicly...so, per this week's <a href="http://www.thenerdygirlie.com/p/5-fandom-friday.html">5 Fandom Friday</a> prompt, here are my top five "Fandom Guilty Pleasures":<br /><br /><b>1. "Lord of the Rings" &amp; "The Hobbit" LEGO</b><br /><br />I don't care what it says on the box--29 is&nbsp;<i>not&nbsp;</i>too old for LEGO. &nbsp;There's no such thing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DYV7LOMc_Vg/VY274B6L1eI/AAAAAAAACe4/X3T3arvh22M/s1600/LOTR%2Blego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DYV7LOMc_Vg/VY274B6L1eI/AAAAAAAACe4/X3T3arvh22M/s1600/LOTR%2Blego.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEGO Middle-Earth: my choice of home decor.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first shot up there is of the top of our dining room game cabinet (because that's what dining room tables are for--games, right?), and Smaug is on a shelving unit in the corner of our dining room. &nbsp;Weathertop and the Helm's Deep wall overflowed into our living room, on our desk hutch. &nbsp;<i>Much</i>&nbsp;better than your average candles and knickknacks, right? &nbsp;(If you disagree, Smaug will eat you--can <i>your</i>&nbsp;decor do that?)</div><div><br />So far, I've only splurged on LOTR and Hobbit sets, but, really, I want <i>all</i>&nbsp;the LEGO. &nbsp;In fact, just the other day, I shamelessly used my four-year-old to get this free promo set at a build event at our local Toys'R'Us:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNEObgGbskY/VY2qaGriYfI/AAAAAAAACcc/pBDZewkbCxI/s1600/Lego%2B09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNEObgGbskY/VY2qaGriYfI/AAAAAAAACcc/pBDZewkbCxI/s1600/Lego%2B09.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>She loved it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wN_69ujU9o/VY2qZuvEprI/AAAAAAAACco/sN7oAyN8Sug/s1600/Lego%2B08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wN_69ujU9o/VY2qZuvEprI/AAAAAAAACco/sN7oAyN8Sug/s1600/Lego%2B08.jpg" /></a></div><br />But it looks rather out-of-place alongside all my Middle-Earth sets. &nbsp;I think I really <strike>need</strike> would like <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UPB9RO4?colid=2NKXIC1TU3AIA&amp;coliid=I1KUNVBTEPK0FN&amp;ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl">some raptors</a> to go with it...<br /><br /><b>2. Geeky tees</b><br /><b><br /></b>This much of my closet is geeky tees:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3AVMzrKYr8/VY2qavXUXOI/AAAAAAAACdc/nzNTq_FdsBA/s1600/Tees%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3AVMzrKYr8/VY2qavXUXOI/AAAAAAAACdc/nzNTq_FdsBA/s1600/Tees%2B01.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't actually realize how many I own until I got them out to take photos for this post...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMQvLIbPfd0/VY2_d-P-ifI/AAAAAAAACfE/MvBH6HzOcoE/s1600/Geeky%2Btees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMQvLIbPfd0/VY2_d-P-ifI/AAAAAAAACfE/MvBH6HzOcoE/s1600/Geeky%2Btees.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Row 1: Firefly, Firefly, Firefly, Harry Potter, Doctor Who/Sherlock<br />Row 2: Buffy/Firefly/Dr. Horrible, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Wars, Doctor Who<br />Row 3: Iron Man, Sherlock, Firefly, Firefly, mash-up<br />Row 4: Doctor Who, LOTR, Hunger Games, The Guild, Star Trek</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And this one didn't fit on the bed with the final round:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP5m08acqR0/VY2qcoVi5BI/AAAAAAAACeE/LPg-lWYdMQw/s1600/Tees%2B04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP5m08acqR0/VY2qcoVi5BI/AAAAAAAACeE/LPg-lWYdMQw/s1600/Tees%2B04.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefly/Jurassic Park mash-up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I <i>really</i>&nbsp;like my geeky tees. &nbsp;Also, we moved to Atlanta two years ago, and I've found that wearing your fandom is a great way to find fellow geeks out in public. &nbsp;We even became friends with an awesome family at our church that way--I wore a "Doctor Who" shirt and my <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/11/geeky-purse-tutorial-make-your-own-mini.html">TARDIS purse</a> one Sunday, and they invited us over to watch the Christmas special. :-)<br /><b><br /></b><b>3. Twilight</b><br /><b><br /></b>So, I own these:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfNVugHoX4w/VY2qhYapcrI/AAAAAAAACeI/Mi8B0eiwwoE/s1600/Twilight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfNVugHoX4w/VY2qhYapcrI/AAAAAAAACeI/Mi8B0eiwwoE/s1600/Twilight.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twilight...hardcovers, no less.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm not quite a "Twi-hard", but I did read the series twice and even went to a marathon-midnight-showing at a local theater when the third movie came out. &nbsp;I enjoyed the books. &nbsp;They're not the greatest literature, but I liked the world Meyer created and the supernatural system of her vampires and werewolves. &nbsp;And say what you will about her skill as a writer, but both times I read the second book, I found myself struggling with feeling depressed even while I wasn't actively reading. &nbsp;So, yeah, this one's a guilty pleasure.<br /><br /><b>4. Movie prop replicas</b><br /><b><br /></b>I&nbsp;<i>plan</i>&nbsp;on decorating our basement family room with movie-and-TV-themed paraphernalia, but it hasn't happened yet. &nbsp;But it needs to...in order to justify all the movie prop replicas I already have, and all the ones I still intend to buy!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Y60_gvvpw/VY2qXvhhS_I/AAAAAAAACdQ/Q-kzSL-7j78/s1600/Lego%2B-%2Btoys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Y60_gvvpw/VY2qXvhhS_I/AAAAAAAACdQ/Q-kzSL-7j78/s1600/Lego%2B-%2Btoys.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Strider's sword, William Wallace's claymore, Evenstar pendant, Eowyn's necklace, Ten's sonic screwdriver, Hermione's wand, and Katniss' mockingjay pin.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I also have a crapload of movie posters that I bought back when I lived in a college dorm. &nbsp;I'm going to pick out my favorites, frame them, and line the basement walls with them. &nbsp;I'm hoping to find shadowboxes for the replicas pictured above--the swords will need to be hung somewhere, but I haven't quite figured out how to fit it all yet. &nbsp;Also, all the props need to be displayed non-permanently, because I totally still play with them.<br /><br /><b>5. Buying stuff "for my kids"</b><br /><br />If we're defining "guilty pleasure" as something that we're "supposed" to feel somewhat ashamed about, but don't (or do it anyway), I guess I should feel bad that I try to indoctrinate my kids with my own fandoms. &nbsp;I mean, I'm all for getting excited along with them over what <i>they </i>love (mostly "Toy Story" these days), but if I can get them excited about <i>my</i>&nbsp;stuff sometimes--<i>score</i>!<br /><br />Like what I bought for my son's birthday last weekend:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQQqkHYZSjQ/VY2qc02nQsI/AAAAAAAACdE/wZ2DW3BmHD8/s1600/Toys%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQQqkHYZSjQ/VY2qc02nQsI/AAAAAAAACdE/wZ2DW3BmHD8/s1600/Toys%2B01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playskool Heroes Jurassic World sets.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />He loves Rex from "Toy Story"--he runs around the house, RAAWRRing with it--so I figured he'd go for these dinos, too (he LOVES them). <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-take-on-jurassic-world.html">I loved "Jurassic Park" as a kid</a>, so I'm psyched about introducing it to my kids in several years. &nbsp;For now, them getting into dinosaurs in general is fun!<br /><br />My daughter loves the TARDIS and has helped me build one out of DUPLO (toddler version of LEGO--both of which are the <i>greatest toys ever</i>), and we've made <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/07/star-wars-cookies.html">"Star Wars" cookies</a> a few times. &nbsp;We also have regular lightsaber fights.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woFNfYNEb2c/VY3DJLMevrI/AAAAAAAACfU/cNx6gLEHbeQ/s1600/IMG_9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woFNfYNEb2c/VY3DJLMevrI/AAAAAAAACfU/cNx6gLEHbeQ/s1600/IMG_9173.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DUPLO TARDIS. &nbsp;And Kaylie is also trained to call that thing in front of her a "Dalek".</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There are a lot of fantastic geeky kids' books, too. &nbsp;I've picked up a few:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oykiYYM_0c0/VY3x_V3G5YI/AAAAAAAACfs/mObSeKCdkbE/s1600/20150626_202946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oykiYYM_0c0/VY3x_V3G5YI/AAAAAAAACfs/mObSeKCdkbE/s1600/20150626_202946.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because toddlers only want to read one book, a thousand times a day.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Because nothing is worse than having to read "The Foot Book" four hundred and sixty-two times in a row. &nbsp;Geeky books are great, because if your kid latches onto one for the day, you can point out all your favorite characters and tell stories from the original. &nbsp;There's only so much you can say about feet.<br /><br />(You can find the <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Star-Wars-ABC-Scholastic/dp/0545227380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1435365970&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=star+wars+abc&amp;pebp=1435365975821&amp;perid=096DMFHWXVZAC2T9S0GT">Star Wars ABC</a> &amp; <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Star-Wars-1-2-3/dp/054541878X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_y">123</a>&nbsp;books, and <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-BabyLit%C2%AECounting-Primer-English/dp/1423622022/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1435366130&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=pride+and+prejudice+babylit&amp;pebp=1435366132483&amp;perid=0WAEMVPS5CJ5Q205BGAN">Pride &amp; Prejudice counting primer</a> (and other BabyLit books), at most major book retailers. &nbsp;"Counting with the Doctor!" can be found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyFirstFandom">here</a>, and the other three ("Cybermen's Picnic", "Leaf", and "If You Give a Hobbit a Ring") <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CharlesThurston">here</a>.)<br /><br />Of course, I don't just <i>buy</i>&nbsp;things I secretly want my kids to like: I also make things for them. &nbsp;I made Wil some <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/08/dragoncon-onesies-part-ii-embellishing.html">geeky onesies</a> for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/08/doing-dragoncon-with-baby.html">his first Dragon Con</a>, along with a "Firefly"-themed ribbon tag blanket. &nbsp;Later, I made him a <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/05/meet-hobieand-evi.html">"Firefly"-themed stuffed dinosaur</a>, too. &nbsp;After I started making more geeky tag blankets for friends, I opened <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleDragonslayers/">my own shop</a> on Etsy, and it's given me a wonderful opportunity to connect with other geeky parents who share my <strike>guilty pleasure</strike> fandom interests!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHxjW7dQquA/VY3x_YxQXeI/AAAAAAAACfw/QfCZSGnLH6I/s1600/20150626_175327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHxjW7dQquA/VY3x_YxQXeI/AAAAAAAACfw/QfCZSGnLH6I/s1600/20150626_175327.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shameless plug...but really, you totally want these for your kid. &nbsp;(More fandoms also available!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Those are my fandom guilty pleasures--though, really, I've gotten past the guilt part. ;-)<br /><br /><b>So what are <i>your</i>&nbsp;fandom guilty pleasures?</b></div>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-82444189840911980832015-06-19T07:51:00.000-07:002015-07-02T18:16:09.902-07:005 Fandom Friday: Characters with my Favorite Fictional Fashion.I'm not very fashion-conscious. &nbsp;For the most part, I don't really notice what other people wear, or what looks are "in". &nbsp;My wardrobe consists almost entirely of jeans and geeky t-shirts, and I'm good with that. &nbsp;But every once in a while, I'll see someone in something and think, "I wonder if I could pull that off..." &nbsp;For this week's "5 Fandom Friday", here are five characters with looks I'd like to pull off:<br /><br /><b>1. Michonne (The Walking Dead)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33800000/-Michonne-michonne-33812447-245-245.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33800000/-Michonne-michonne-33812447-245-245.gif" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />Michonne is my kind of badass. &nbsp;I'd like to think that if I found myself alone in the midst of a zombie apocolypse, I'd pick up a sword and learn how to survive with it. &nbsp;I think I'd probably go for a look much like hers, too--largely practical, but with a flair for the dramatic (can you get any more dramatic than her first appearance in the season two finale?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a89uO6wtIAk/VYCHhq7iBYI/AAAAAAAACXI/W-QwyF0s3G8/s1600/Project2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a89uO6wtIAk/VYCHhq7iBYI/AAAAAAAACXI/W-QwyF0s3G8/s400/Project2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love the leather and the laces--I would wear things that lace like that&nbsp;<i>all the time</i>&nbsp;if I thought I could pull off that look (I totally want her brown leather side-laced vest, in particular). &nbsp;Permanently add a samurai sword to the look? &nbsp;Perfect. &nbsp;Though I'd more likely go for a claymore or a cutlass myself, since that's what I happen to have on hand...<br /><br />For a while, I wondered how she'd come into the wardrobe I so often found myself admiring--were those her clothes from before, or had she somehow accumulated numerous pieces that fit her badass warrior look? &nbsp;Then we see her in season five with her new sheriff's uniform:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRvvePkgrrI/VYCIyC0pCdI/AAAAAAAACXU/VgnjFgP-7Gw/s1600/michonne-models-uniform-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRvvePkgrrI/VYCIyC0pCdI/AAAAAAAACXU/VgnjFgP-7Gw/s400/michonne-models-uniform-2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Clearly, she's been altering what she finds to fit her tastes, if it doesn't to start with. &nbsp;Which only makes her more awesome in my book. &nbsp;I mean, it's the zombie apocalypse; why <i>not</i>&nbsp;go for whatever look you want?<br /><br /><b>2. Fiona Glenanne (Burn Notice)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.tinypic.com/iddcol.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/iddcol.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div><br />I kind of want to be Fi when I grow up. &nbsp;In some ways, she's basically me if I had no inhibitions. &nbsp;Her solution to most problems is to shoot someone or blow something up (I often wish that were an option), she's an illegal arms dealer (just think of all that weaponry she gets to play with!), and she's very vocal about her opinions (I'm pretty opinionated once I know you well enough that I know I won't hurt your feelings). &nbsp;Though if I ever tried to model my wardrobe after hers, I'd be wearing bikinis far less and bras far more (inhibitions!)....But she rocks every look she goes for, from bikini to evening gown, sundress to jeans and a tee--all paired, of course, with killer heels and a gun or two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdhEJxcT7KQ/VYLMIWyPKVI/AAAAAAAACZ8/0-BOaYxBzXg/s1600/fiona%2Barmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdhEJxcT7KQ/VYLMIWyPKVI/AAAAAAAACZ8/0-BOaYxBzXg/s400/fiona%2Barmed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />But my favorite piece of her attire is definitely her hip bag:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Soh4pnvTnE/VYLMIOw9YOI/AAAAAAAACaE/GGNkhQ7sCCQ/s1600/fiona%2Bhip%2Bbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Soh4pnvTnE/VYLMIOw9YOI/AAAAAAAACaE/GGNkhQ7sCCQ/s400/fiona%2Bhip%2Bbag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Hands-free is really the way to go if you never know when you'll need your hands to draw a gun or throw together a bomb, and keeping your bag close to the body keeps it out of the way should you need to make a quick exit out a window, making the hip bag idea altogether very practical. &nbsp;Personally, I consider hands-free to be a necessity (I have two hands and two kids--I can't afford to give up a hand to keep adjusting a purse!), so I exclusively use cross-body purses (like <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/11/geeky-purse-tutorial-make-your-own-mini.html">the ones I made</a>), but I'd consider branching out to a hip bag like Fi's if I ever found the right one.<br /><br /><b>3. Echo (Dollhouse)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://masochistmusing.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/dollhouse_did-i-fall-asleep.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://masochistmusing.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/dollhouse_did-i-fall-asleep.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />Because who wouldn't want to wear yoga pants and a tank top all day?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y445oDwahOc/VYMUI2FsgtI/AAAAAAAACaQ/HDMNHKyvOkA/s1600/Echo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y445oDwahOc/VYMUI2FsgtI/AAAAAAAACaQ/HDMNHKyvOkA/s400/Echo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I try to be my best."</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sign me up. &nbsp;Just...maybe don't sign me up for all the other stuff that goes with being an Active...<br /><br /><b>4. Gracie Hart, aka "Gracie Lou Freebush" (Miss Congeniality)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2324963/miss-congeniality-o.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2324963/miss-congeniality-o.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven't slept all night, I'm starved, and I'm armed. &nbsp;Don't *mess* with me!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mostly, I love the idea of starting out like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99nPvgeLq08/VYNjm2KoXkI/AAAAAAAACaw/5ab0CPGMe0w/s1600/Gracie%2B-%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99nPvgeLq08/VYNjm2KoXkI/AAAAAAAACaw/5ab0CPGMe0w/s400/Gracie%2B-%2Bbefore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And having someone else tell me how to end up like this:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkUAaIrQ4fM/VYNjm54Fj6I/AAAAAAAACao/ZdvHnpYFP-w/s1600/Grace%2B-%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkUAaIrQ4fM/VYNjm54Fj6I/AAAAAAAACao/ZdvHnpYFP-w/s400/Grace%2B-%2Bafter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And I really do want world peace!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Because, really, there are some of us that just plain <i>need</i>&nbsp;a Victor Melling (Michael Caine) to take over, and tell us how to do the clothes and the hair and the makeup. &nbsp;We're just not going to get there on our own.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cWobIJtvSg/VL2VpMSMVOI/AAAAAAAAnYY/WWr2qbltqEk/s1600/misscongeniality2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cWobIJtvSg/VL2VpMSMVOI/AAAAAAAAnYY/WWr2qbltqEk/s1600/misscongeniality2.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey! &nbsp;I'm gliding here!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />But even with a Victor Melling at my side, I think I'd still end up pulling one of these:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.giphy.com/media/4PZkTgkVNCiRy/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.giphy.com/media/4PZkTgkVNCiRy/giphy.gif" height="380" width="400" /></a></div><br />Just remember: "Smilers wear a crown, losers wear a frown."<br /><br /><b>5. Eowyn (Lord of the Rings)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://38.media.tumblr.com/796a61979bd8ec4f2d783bddb1fb7878/tumblr_mxdwxptNTc1shpbqro1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/796a61979bd8ec4f2d783bddb1fb7878/tumblr_mxdwxptNTc1shpbqro1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />If I could <strike>be</strike> dress as <i>any</i> character, it would definitely be Eowyn, shield-maiden of Rohan. &nbsp;I love everything about the Rohirrim--the horses, the culture, the art, the clothes, all of it. &nbsp;If I could move to Middle-Earth, there's no doubt I would belong in the Riddermark.<br /><br />Eowyn happens to be my favorite character in all of literature. &nbsp;While she's great in the films, <a href="http://www.themarysue.com/the-story-of-eowyn">she's even better in the books</a>, and when I first read the trilogy as an awkward teenager who felt out of place in my love-bordering-on-obsession for horses and swords, I connected with her character--first because she was good at the things I was interested in, but then because I could relate to her longing for a place in the world where she could be herself, and <i>make a difference</i>&nbsp;in the world by doing so.<br /><br />But this post is about fashion. &nbsp;Let's just say that there isn't a single thing that Eowyn wears in the films that I wouldn't <i>love</i>&nbsp;to come into style:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyZeb25YHuw/VYNvKHk5DII/AAAAAAAACa8/jBBaM6G9HXc/s1600/Eowyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyZeb25YHuw/VYNvKHk5DII/AAAAAAAACa8/jBBaM6G9HXc/s400/Eowyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The sleeves! &nbsp;I am a complete sucker for flowy sleeves. &nbsp;Most of the shirts that I have bought in my life that <i>weren't</i>&nbsp;t-shirts, I bought because they had interesting sleeves (usually loose and flowing). &nbsp;But I really love Eowyn's whole look, and if I could find a way to bring it "in", I would slay the Nazgul to make that happen.<br /><br />But hey, if I can't always dress like her, at least I can cook like her:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/979e20021dac395677a425324d7dde90/tumblr_n089xt119B1s3ulybo6_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/979e20021dac395677a425324d7dde90/tumblr_n089xt119B1s3ulybo6_250.gif" height="253" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've got that down. :-)<br /><br />*I didn't even realize this until I'd finalized my five picks, but there's one thing they ALL have in common:<i> they're all armed </i>(with the possible exception of Echo, that is--but she's often armed in her Active state, and later on as Echo herself reaches self actualization). &nbsp;So, um, I guess my favorite accessories are guns and swords? &nbsp;Sounds about right.*<br /><br /><b>So who are your favorite fictional fashion icons?</b>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-13207405042524819222015-06-17T07:04:00.000-07:002015-06-17T07:04:18.276-07:00My take on "Jurassic World".New life goal: Become a raptor whisperer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhCQgBuuVjQ/VYDo9GsPiCI/AAAAAAAACYk/uzjiaJfHD_w/s1600/20150616_212823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhCQgBuuVjQ/VYDo9GsPiCI/AAAAAAAACYk/uzjiaJfHD_w/s1600/20150616_212823.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running with the raptors.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>SPOILERS AHEAD. &nbsp;You've been warned.</i><br /><br />Like everyone else who grew up on <i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;and its sequels, I rushed to the theater (a few days late...life with kids) to see the latest installment in the Jurassic world.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FMh70YGD1E/VYDo9U4vopI/AAAAAAAACZI/-Ifmm6r-4Xs/s1600/20150616_213425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FMh70YGD1E/VYDo9U4vopI/AAAAAAAACZI/-Ifmm6r-4Xs/s1600/20150616_213425.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I do have a "Firefly" shirt for every occasion.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;was the first movie I ever bought for myself. &nbsp;I still remember buying the VHS with my own money--I must have been eight or nine years old at the time. &nbsp;I don't remember how old I was when I first picked up a copy of the book at a local Goodwill, but I do remember that the entire middle school era of my life was defined by reading and rereading, watching and rewatching, <i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;and <i>The Lost World</i>. &nbsp;I knew every dinosaur featured in the series, from the little compies (Procompsognathus Triassicus, I do believe) to the gigantic T-rex to the sly Carnotaurus. &nbsp;The Jurassic world was <i>my </i>world.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6wJAx7q_sw/VYDo-dw52KI/AAAAAAAACZM/YKPvd48T3vY/s1600/20150616_230802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6wJAx7q_sw/VYDo-dw52KI/AAAAAAAACZM/YKPvd48T3vY/s1600/20150616_230802.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well-read Goodwill finds during my middle school years.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Though I read both books multiple times during those years, it's been at least a decade since I've picked them up, and to be honest, all I remember about <i>The Lost World</i>&nbsp;is that the movie was not much&nbsp;like the book and the Carnotaurus was <i>freaking awesome</i>&nbsp;because it could camouflage like a chameleon. &nbsp;I was always disappointed that neither movie sequel ever had a dinosaur as interesting as the Carnotaurus of the second book.<br /><br />I was excited to see the first trailer for <i>Jurassic World</i>. &nbsp;It meant the continuation of a world I've loved most of my life, whether or not the movie turned out to be any good. &nbsp;Then came the next trailer, and <i>holy crap is he hunting WITH RAPTORS?!?</i>&nbsp; Hope grew, and I literally cannot remember the last time I was this excited about an upcoming movie (in fact, the closest excitement level I've reached in recent years was for the theatrical 3-D release of <i>Jurassic Park</i>).<br /><br />Fortunately, it lived up to every expectation--and more than that, to every high hope I had that it would redeem some of what the previous sequels had crapped on.<br /><br />There's a moment early on in <i>Jurassic World</i>, when the two boys, Zach and Gray, reach Isla Nublar and are settling into their room in the resort. &nbsp;Gray swings open the balcony doors, and we're treated to a sweeping view of the new park as we hear John Williams' familiar <i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;theme begin to play. &nbsp;As the music swells and we seem to soar over the island, let me tell you:&nbsp;<i><b>it felt like coming home</b></i>.<br /><br />It doesn't take long before we're introduced to the new dinosaur, the genetically engineered <i>Indominus Rex</i>, though we don't get a good look at her until later. &nbsp;But in that first conversation at her enclosure, Masrani, trying to catch a glimpse of her through the trees, asks Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) "Is it white?", and right then, I had my first inkling that <i>this could be it</i>--THIS could be the time they finally make my chameleon dinosaur. &nbsp;That's confirmed a little later, when Indominus comes out of seemingly nowhere to take out most of the SWAT-like "asset containment team", and the first casualty shouts "It can camouflage!" just before he's snapped up by those giant jaws. &nbsp;FINALLY. &nbsp;But the writers have stepped it up a notch, and as the movie progresses, Indominus continues to impress with a growing list of genetic traits that make it the most formidable dinosaur we've ever seen.<br /><br />But the raptors--more specifically, their relationship with Owen (Chris Pratt)--are, in my opinion, the most interesting element of this movie. &nbsp;I grew up on the notion that raptors are <i>far</i>&nbsp;to intelligent to be worth the risk of letting them live (Muldoon--"Clever girl"--seemed to be the only character in the original movie who fully grasped the danger they posed). &nbsp;I was excited, but apprehensive, at the idea of some sort of raptor whisperer, afraid that they'd illogically tamed these terrifyingly intelligent beasts and made them less of what they were. &nbsp;But I was impressed by the believability of Owen's relationship with the raptors--he knew just how tenuous it was, and never lost sight of the reality that his raptors were dangerous, instinctual animals. &nbsp;Using them, and his bond with them, to hunt the Indominus becomes a necessary risk, but Owen's trust in the raptors is well-tempered by a firm grasp on the precariousness of his position as the pack's alpha.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZCMe38brZ8/VYDo9OTgUEI/AAAAAAAACYw/nsfzDEkI91I/s1600/20150616_212910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZCMe38brZ8/VYDo9OTgUEI/AAAAAAAACYw/nsfzDEkI91I/s1600/20150616_212910.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband, Casey, faces off with a raptor.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was also nervous to see how Claire would be portrayed in the movie--the trailer made her out to be an uptight control freak in impractical heels who would be little more than the subject of Owen's innuendos. &nbsp;<i>Jurassic Park</i>&nbsp;featured strong, intelligent, useful female characters in Ellie and Lex--both had their moments to save the day in the original movie. &nbsp;But while I started off disliking Claire's corporate pragmatism and poor taste in shoes, she turns out to be surprisingly badass, slamming a raptor into a tree with her getaway vehicle (and NOT crashing when one smashed its head through the driver's-side window and practically onto her lap--thank you, writers, for letting a woman be a competent driver for once), knocking a pterosaur off of Owen and shooting it like it's not her first time handling a gun, and she's the one with the brilliant idea to unleash the T-rex on Indominus--and the one to draw it out to the fight. &nbsp;In the end, she's just as vital to the group's survival as Owen is, and I don't mind that she saves the day without ever kicking her heels off.<br /><br />But what makes me really love this movie is the little moments that bring me back to the Jurassic world of my childhood: a glimpse of Mr. DNA (voiced by director Colin Trevorrow this time) talking "<i>di</i>no DNA!", Lowery's vintage "Jurassic Park" t-shirt, Zach brushing his hand along the painted raptors on the wall of the old park building, views of the familiar electric fence and the island approach by helicopter, shots of various dinosaurs in rearview mirrors throughout the movie, and the eerily similar way Indominus stalks its prey like the raptors did in the first movie. &nbsp;Dr. Henry Wu (B.D. Wong) is the only returning member of the original cast, engineering dinosaurs by the nestful, as usual. &nbsp;Even the very plot--that man, ever over-confident, has, once again, "made" an all-too-dangerous monster that gets on the loose and is going to kill everyone--is a modern take on the original storyline, but with enough new elements that it feels consistent with the original without being guilty of rehashing it. &nbsp;(The movie also brought to mind other fandoms I've come to love, as well--Lowery's herd of toy dinosaurs on his console are reminiscent of Wash's similar arrangement in "Firefly", and the saddled triceratops are so very <i>Dinotopia</i>n.) &nbsp;But the most evocative moments for me were in the end, when the raptors herd our band of survivors out into the open and corral them on all sides, exactly as they did with Grant, Ellie, and the kids; when Claire uses a flare to draw out the T-rex, just like Malcolm drew the T-rex away from the kids in <i>Jurassic Park;</i>&nbsp;and the final showdown between the biggest baddies of the park--last time it was a T-rex and a pair of raptors who faced off, this time the T-rex and "Blue" team up to take on Indominus. &nbsp;And that fight was <i>epic</i>--it had me quite literally on the edge of my seat for the last ten minutes of the movie. &nbsp;That whole sequence stirred so many memories and brought all the tension, anxiety, and excitement that I'd felt the first time watching <i>Jurassic Park </i>flooding back, but managed to top beautifully it with new twists and amazing CG.<br /><br />I left <i>Jurassic World</i>&nbsp;as excited about it as when I entered the theater. &nbsp;It was an all-around fun movie on its own, but also a fantastic homage to the original. &nbsp;<i>Jurassic World</i>&nbsp;brought back <i>my</i>&nbsp;Jurassic world, and it did it excellently.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzdZB5rWDYg/VYDo9TTc2yI/AAAAAAAACY4/VkDkXWx7OJk/s1600/20150616_213539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzdZB5rWDYg/VYDo9TTc2yI/AAAAAAAACY4/VkDkXWx7OJk/s1600/20150616_213539.jpg" /></a></div><br />(There's just one question left: What does InGen intend to do with the embryos Wu escaped the island with?)Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882101758589005824.post-54374866997200457402015-06-15T19:24:00.000-07:002015-07-07T21:00:12.234-07:00District 4: Seaweed Soft Pretzels.<i>(Want to start with <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/05/district-1-chocolate-brioche-rolls.html">District 1</a>?)</i><br /><i><br /></i>Forget fishing, District 4 brought us FINNICK.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140217063621/thehungergames/es/images/e/e0/Finnick_Odair_75.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140217063621/thehungergames/es/images/e/e0/Finnick_Odair_75.png" height="640" width="416" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finnick Odair, District 4 tribute.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />'Nuff said.<br /><br />It also brings us the bread that had me the most nervous to make in this series: a salty fish-shaped bread containing seaweed and tinted green, as described by Suzanne Collins in <i>Catching Fire</i>. &nbsp;But to my great surprise, I actually <i>like</i>&nbsp;this one!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEgqol-n-_Q/VX9vyfWEFiI/AAAAAAAACWg/Tzd1LT4xPGQ/s1600/D4%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEgqol-n-_Q/VX9vyfWEFiI/AAAAAAAACWg/Tzd1LT4xPGQ/s640/D4%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District 4: Seaweed Soft Pretzels.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After scouring the internet for breads containing seaweed--none of which looked particularly appetizing--I ultimately decided to try adapting my go-to <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/06/soft-pretzels.html">soft pretzel recipe</a> instead. &nbsp;<i>That was the right choice</i>. &nbsp;I added seaweed to the dough, twisted them into a fish shape (well, sort of...we'll get to that), and used sea salt instead of rock salt, and they taste <i>delicious</i>.<br /><br />You'll need:<br /><ul><li>Dough:</li><ul><li>1 sheet nori seaweed</li><li>1/4 cup filtered water</li><li>1 1/2 cups warm water</li><li>1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast (1 package)</li><li>2 Tbsp brown sugar</li><li>1 1/8 tsp salt</li><li>1 cup bread flour</li><li>3+ cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 sheet nori seaweed</li><li>Green food coloring (optional)</li></ul><li>Soda bath:</li><ul><li>2 cups warm water</li><li>2 Tbsp baking soda</li></ul><li>Topping:</li><ul><li>3 Tbsp butter</li><li>Fresh-ground sea salt, to taste</li></ul></ul><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EP-xuKkd9g/VX9vmKKrIEI/AAAAAAAACRg/e0o4IMtkMv0/s1600/20150615_093732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EP-xuKkd9g/VX9vmKKrIEI/AAAAAAAACRg/e0o4IMtkMv0/s1600/20150615_093732.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've never cooked with seaweed. &nbsp;I had no idea what kind to get, especially since I was pretty much winging it with my own recipe, so I let my husband pick up whatever he could find while he was at a local Vietnamese market (I love Atlanta).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgLsfN4lLaI/VX9vmN-G9II/AAAAAAAACSw/28dHcGMsZg0/s1600/20150615_093923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgLsfN4lLaI/VX9vmN-G9II/AAAAAAAACSw/28dHcGMsZg0/s1600/20150615_093923.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nori seaweed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />He came home with a package of sheets of nori, so I Googled nori--and still wasn't really sure what to do with it....After reading about how to rehydrate seaweed (though apparently nori doesn't usually need to be rehydrated, since it's made for making sushi), I decided the best course was to crumple up one of the sheets...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4_YyNPBbzQ/VX9vmNW84JI/AAAAAAAACRs/jIosyMB0KgA/s1600/20150615_094031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4_YyNPBbzQ/VX9vmNW84JI/AAAAAAAACRs/jIosyMB0KgA/s1600/20150615_094031.jpg" /></a></div><br />...into little pieces...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhrNqgsu63Y/VX9vmdYuctI/AAAAAAAACRo/WB4AWiDRKzo/s1600/20150615_094128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhrNqgsu63Y/VX9vmdYuctI/AAAAAAAACRo/WB4AWiDRKzo/s1600/20150615_094128.jpg" /></a></div><br />...and add 1/4 cup filtered water:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WR1KvbW_srA/VX9vmuxh9RI/AAAAAAAACR4/bR8qucNHVdE/s1600/20150615_094225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WR1KvbW_srA/VX9vmuxh9RI/AAAAAAAACR4/bR8qucNHVdE/s1600/20150615_094225.jpg" /></a></div><br />I let it sit for about half an hour while I mixed the other ingredients for the dough and chased my kids around the house.<br /><br />While the seaweed rehydrates, dissolve the yeast in the warm water, in your mixing bowl:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMMiqcVto8g/VX9vnAny44I/AAAAAAAACSA/ZuSgePgIeXw/s1600/20150615_094631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMMiqcVto8g/VX9vnAny44I/AAAAAAAACSA/ZuSgePgIeXw/s1600/20150615_094631.jpg" /></a></div><br />Add the salt and brown sugar:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oslEsfnJVcU/VX9vnWfIA_I/AAAAAAAACSM/72VBtFj7O5Y/s1600/20150615_094817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oslEsfnJVcU/VX9vnWfIA_I/AAAAAAAACSM/72VBtFj7O5Y/s1600/20150615_094817.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First tablespoon of brown sugar already sank out of sight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Stir to dissolve:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1Wsyssxdaw/VX9vn0uosJI/AAAAAAAACSI/SGPZOrV90gE/s1600/20150615_094854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1Wsyssxdaw/VX9vn0uosJI/AAAAAAAACSI/SGPZOrV90gE/s1600/20150615_094854.jpg" /></a></div><br />Add the flours (1 cup bread, 3 cups all-purpose):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffJ_5UaPSjw/VX9vn73aFBI/AAAAAAAACSE/soyW_WhWVlc/s1600/20150615_100534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffJ_5UaPSjw/VX9vn73aFBI/AAAAAAAACSE/soyW_WhWVlc/s1600/20150615_100534.jpg" /></a></div><br />While your mixer does the work, check on your seaweed--I'd taken enough breaks with my kids by this point that my seaweed had soaked up most of the water:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YTMpdT-0Qw/VX9voFiIOvI/AAAAAAAACSQ/zuDGOMLYXww/s1600/20150615_100630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YTMpdT-0Qw/VX9voFiIOvI/AAAAAAAACSQ/zuDGOMLYXww/s1600/20150615_100630.jpg" /></a></div><br />Fish it out of the bowl and put it on a paper-towel-covered plate to drain the excess water:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xas_c7BOeag/VX9voJwc_jI/AAAAAAAACSU/CHdid63gwoc/s1600/20150615_100704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xas_c7BOeag/VX9voJwc_jI/AAAAAAAACSU/CHdid63gwoc/s1600/20150615_100704.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>By now, your dough should be well-mixed; add additional flour in 1/4 cup increments as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic, and no longer too sticky to handle:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnWRORz4wSU/VX9voY8vO_I/AAAAAAAACSk/DwA2oKmIPGU/s1600/20150615_100931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnWRORz4wSU/VX9voY8vO_I/AAAAAAAACSk/DwA2oKmIPGU/s1600/20150615_100931.jpg" /></a></div><br />Since this was an experiment to find the best way to make a bread closely resembling Collins' description, but I wasn't keen on wasting the whole batch of soft pretzels (which are ordinarily <i>scrumptious</i>) if I didn't like the taste of seaweed, I split my dough in half:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bure2x4wwM0/VX9vot5Yw_I/AAAAAAAACSc/SFUqMyiI_uw/s1600/20150615_101513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bure2x4wwM0/VX9vot5Yw_I/AAAAAAAACSc/SFUqMyiI_uw/s1600/20150615_101513.jpg" /></a></div><br />I decided to play around with green food coloring to go for that green tint Collins' described:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwb-SOc4xh8/VX9vo1vm2hI/AAAAAAAACTA/34SwAh7Fu1Y/s1600/20150615_101539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwb-SOc4xh8/VX9vo1vm2hI/AAAAAAAACTA/34SwAh7Fu1Y/s1600/20150615_101539.jpg" /></a></div><br />In the end, I added five drops of green food coloring gel--but if you want to add the tint, start with just a little of the food coloring, and see how far it goes. &nbsp;You can always add more, but you don't want it <i>too</i>&nbsp;green! &nbsp;Ultimately, I actually preferred the look of the bread that <i>didn't</i>&nbsp;have any food coloring. &nbsp;I figure even if the seaweed doesn't change the color of the dough, seeing enough green specks can make one <i>think</i>&nbsp;it has a greenish tint, too--maybe Katniss was just seeing the green from the seaweed...I think I'll go with that theory. :-)<br /><br />I mixed the food coloring in with my mixer at first, but ended up kneading it by hand the rest of the way to get it to spread more evenly (though I decided not to mix it in <i>too</i>&nbsp;evenly):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFj8etXm280/VX9vo5mIG9I/AAAAAAAACT4/1Rh2YLFvDqU/s1600/20150615_102521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFj8etXm280/VX9vo5mIG9I/AAAAAAAACT4/1Rh2YLFvDqU/s1600/20150615_102521.jpg" /></a></div><br />I set that dough aside in a clean bowl:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwacq1mcBoc/VX9vpCd39wI/AAAAAAAACS4/_J1yiDx5AZ0/s1600/20150615_102618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwacq1mcBoc/VX9vpCd39wI/AAAAAAAACS4/_J1yiDx5AZ0/s1600/20150615_102618.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next up was the half with seaweed--I put the dough in the mixing bowl and added a small handful of nori:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0FMl4ahSc4/VX9vposdcvI/AAAAAAAACS8/02jHgLifuw4/s1600/20150615_102742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0FMl4ahSc4/VX9vposdcvI/AAAAAAAACS8/02jHgLifuw4/s1600/20150615_102742.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't measure it--just eyeballed it. &nbsp;Start with a little, and you can add more to your liking as you go.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hur-YsbXZMc/VX9vqnlsZlI/AAAAAAAACTM/YLXhws1Xy8c/s1600/20150615_102826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hur-YsbXZMc/VX9vqnlsZlI/AAAAAAAACTM/YLXhws1Xy8c/s1600/20150615_102826.jpg" /></a></div><br />Again, I found that kneading it by hand mixed the seaweed in much more evenly than using my mixer's dough hook:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKnkTu7UX1Q/VX9vrM7wpHI/AAAAAAAACTQ/wR7vBqfguCM/s1600/20150615_102946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKnkTu7UX1Q/VX9vrM7wpHI/AAAAAAAACTQ/wR7vBqfguCM/s1600/20150615_102946.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once I was happy with the amount of seaweed in my dough (I didn't add any after that first handful--which was maybe a third of the sheet), I split in half again for more experimentation:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tsSNF-6wSY/VX9vrQaZ4WI/AAAAAAAACV0/ttu7YdmqRdk/s1600/20150615_103052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tsSNF-6wSY/VX9vrQaZ4WI/AAAAAAAACV0/ttu7YdmqRdk/s1600/20150615_103052.jpg" /></a></div><br />I added three drops of food coloring to one of them (and left the other untinted):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2L93ThWheQ/VX9vryIbp2I/AAAAAAAACTs/NwED_mUPZg8/s1600/20150615_103604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2L93ThWheQ/VX9vryIbp2I/AAAAAAAACTs/NwED_mUPZg8/s1600/20150615_103604.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here are all three portions:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzFWwzFWmKw/VX9vsd1Y-_I/AAAAAAAACT0/f1OQKS8VSLU/s1600/20150615_103654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzFWwzFWmKw/VX9vsd1Y-_I/AAAAAAAACT0/f1OQKS8VSLU/s1600/20150615_103654.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cover the dough with a clean towel:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMiVrV5FdvE/VX9vsgM9SbI/AAAAAAAACUE/-fPAAW3Qea0/s1600/20150615_103726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMiVrV5FdvE/VX9vsgM9SbI/AAAAAAAACUE/-fPAAW3Qea0/s1600/20150615_103726.jpg" /></a></div><br />Let the dough rise 30-60 minutes. &nbsp;I usually set a timer for 30 minutes, and start on the soda bath when it goes off...plus, my kids usually interrupt the process enough that it's risen for closer to 60 minutes by the time I'm ready to handle it! ;-)<br /><br />For the soda bath, combine the warm water and baking soda in a bowl, stirring often:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-quycjV7-g/VX9vt3dJHWI/AAAAAAAACUk/QO-GcGxFK-0/s1600/20150615_112109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-quycjV7-g/VX9vt3dJHWI/AAAAAAAACUk/QO-GcGxFK-0/s1600/20150615_112109.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(The baking soda has already mostly dissolved.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Your dough should have risen by now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGLPo5LVhrs/VX9vtZ2_7yI/AAAAAAAACUY/dkyiOWywJxc/s1600/20150615_111717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGLPo5LVhrs/VX9vtZ2_7yI/AAAAAAAACUY/dkyiOWywJxc/s1600/20150615_111717.jpg" /></a></div><br />Pinch of a chunk at a time and roll it into a rope:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FjVxTKLhDM/VX9vuBybRaI/AAAAAAAACWM/vWJNFqOUsDE/s1600/20150615_113355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FjVxTKLhDM/VX9vuBybRaI/AAAAAAAACWM/vWJNFqOUsDE/s1600/20150615_113355.jpg" /></a></div><br />Twist it into a simple fish shape:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMBPQmusa20/VX9vubSjCXI/AAAAAAAACVU/bSbCdUybUI4/s1600/20150615_113524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMBPQmusa20/VX9vubSjCXI/AAAAAAAACVU/bSbCdUybUI4/s1600/20150615_113524.jpg" /></a></div><br />Dunk it in the soda bath:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPL24gb2itg/VX9vurE-dmI/AAAAAAAACU4/yNvlGKziPyw/s1600/20150615_113541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPL24gb2itg/VX9vurE-dmI/AAAAAAAACU4/yNvlGKziPyw/s1600/20150615_113541.jpg" /></a></div><br />Place on a parchment-paper-covered (or greased) cookie sheet:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1XaG-Qs_IE/VX9vu9z8dHI/AAAAAAAACVE/AcaGMO8qhAQ/s1600/20150615_113551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1XaG-Qs_IE/VX9vu9z8dHI/AAAAAAAACVE/AcaGMO8qhAQ/s1600/20150615_113551.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish! &nbsp;Ish.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Repeat for the remainder of your dough:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuOx3H0_--w/VX9vvCX7ybI/AAAAAAAACVQ/hjt_pN0leH0/s1600/20150615_114806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuOx3H0_--w/VX9vvCX7ybI/AAAAAAAACVQ/hjt_pN0leH0/s1600/20150615_114806.jpg" /></a></div><br />If you've read my original <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2014/06/soft-pretzels.html">soft pretzel post</a>, you'll recall how awkwardly horrible I am at making pretzel shapes...even my stick shapes are pretty bad (you'll find photographic evidence in that post). &nbsp;Turns out, I'm not much better at making fish. &nbsp;But here's my rationale: just because District 4 bread is notably fish-shaped does NOT mean that every single person in the whole district is good at making a perfect fish shape, right? &nbsp;I mean, these could totally be made by the one mom in the neighborhood whose fish come out as awkward twisty lumps. &nbsp;Her kids' friends snicker a little bit when they eat lunch at school, because, dude, Finnick's mom just <i>can't</i>&nbsp;quite get the shape right. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Chimaera's mom packed her a lunch of perfectly shaped bass, marlin, and friggin' swordfish bread...screw her.<br /><br />Anyway.<br /><br />Let the shaped dough rise 15-20 minutes, then bake at 450*F for 8-10 minutes (until golden brown):<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AZpr0d2WyM/VX9vvZil4rI/AAAAAAAACWY/XGcXnAAJAFw/s1600/20150615_121700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AZpr0d2WyM/VX9vvZil4rI/AAAAAAAACWY/XGcXnAAJAFw/s1600/20150615_121700.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MY FISH ARE SO BAD.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Melt your butter and brush your fish-shaped pretzels liberally with it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIDljr_IzBQ/VX9vvo5qACI/AAAAAAAACVc/vD5QKUevvvk/s1600/20150615_121936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIDljr_IzBQ/VX9vvo5qACI/AAAAAAAACVc/vD5QKUevvvk/s1600/20150615_121936.jpg" /></a></div><br />Sprinkle with salt:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXxKeVh_Vl4/VX9vwISfoTI/AAAAAAAACVo/rQpnJEsOpaY/s1600/20150615_122030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXxKeVh_Vl4/VX9vwISfoTI/AAAAAAAACVo/rQpnJEsOpaY/s1600/20150615_122030.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you can see, I used my seaweed-less bread to experiment with the salt topping. &nbsp;I felt like fresh-ground sea salt was the most authentic option for District 4...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYz77yzVpUY/VX9vwbD_xQI/AAAAAAAACVw/QmXK_L11d0c/s1600/20150615_122037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYz77yzVpUY/VX9vwbD_xQI/AAAAAAAACVw/QmXK_L11d0c/s1600/20150615_122037.jpg" /></a></div><br />...but if that didn't taste right, I wanted to have the usual rock salt option as a back-up:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RiAJZTnQmc/VX9vw8XlsiI/AAAAAAAACV4/GuLUbHoWjW4/s1600/20150615_122041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RiAJZTnQmc/VX9vw8XlsiI/AAAAAAAACV4/GuLUbHoWjW4/s1600/20150615_122041.jpg" /></a></div><br />Fortunately, the sea salt looked and tasted great, so that's what I went with for the seaweed bread:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpmNR-LGuwk/VX9vxkK7NWI/AAAAAAAACWU/lYLetHyYP1M/s1600/20150615_140628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpmNR-LGuwk/VX9vxkK7NWI/AAAAAAAACWU/lYLetHyYP1M/s1600/20150615_140628.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you already KNOW it's a fish, you can totally see it, right? &nbsp;...Right?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even though I love soft pretzels, I was quite nervous to actually try the seaweed ones. &nbsp;I'm super picky (there's something wrong with my tongue), I'd never tried seaweed before, and there is no way to "hide" tastes I don't like in food, so I wasn't sure if I'd be able to stomach these. &nbsp;But they're actually pretty good! &nbsp;The seaweed taste is subtle, and not bad at all--for the most part, they taste just like my soft pretzels usually do. &nbsp;I made my brother try one, too, to get his opinion, and after the first bite, he eagerly took a plateful--though he did wonder about the shape until I told him they were fish... :-P<br /><br />And for your cut-and-paste convenience:<br /><br /><b>Seaweed Soft Pretzels</b><br /><ul><li>Dough:</li><ul><li>1 sheet nori seaweed</li><li>1/4 cup filtered water</li><li>1 1/2 cups warm water</li><li>1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast (1 package)</li><li>2 Tbsp brown sugar</li><li>1 1/8 tsp salt</li><li>1 cup bread flour</li><li>3+ cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 sheet nori seaweed</li><li>Green food coloring (optional)</li></ul><li>Soda bath:</li><ul><li>2 cups warm water</li><li>2 Tbsp baking soda</li></ul><li>Topping:</li><ul><li>3 Tbsp butter</li><li>Fresh-ground sea salt, to taste</li></ul></ul><br /><ol><li>Crumple nori into small pieces in bowl; add 1/4 cup filtered water. &nbsp;Rehydrate 20-30 minutes; remove from bowl and place on paper towels to drain excess water.</li><li>In mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; stir. &nbsp;Add brown sugar and salt; stir to dissolve.</li><li>Add flours (1 cup bread flour, 3 cups all-purpose flour). &nbsp;Add additional flour in 1/4 cup increments as need until dough is smooth and elastic and no longer too sticky to handle.</li><li>Add seaweed, to taste, kneading by hand. &nbsp;Optional: add food coloring and knead by hand.</li><li>Cover dough and let rise 30-60 minutes.</li><li>For soda bath, combine warm water and baking soda in bowl, stirring often.</li><li>Pinch off a chunk of dough at a time, roll it into a rope, shape into a simple fish, and dunk into the soda bath. &nbsp;Place on parchment-paper-covered (or greased) cookie sheet. &nbsp;Let shaped fishes rise 15-20 minutes.</li><li>Bake at 450*F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.</li><li>Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt, to taste.</li></ol><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Easter Eggs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As usual, this week's main photo contains Easter eggs--references to other fandoms within the photo. &nbsp;Can you find them?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEgqol-n-_Q/VX9vyfWEFiI/AAAAAAAACWg/Tzd1LT4xPGQ/s1600/D4%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEgqol-n-_Q/VX9vyfWEFiI/AAAAAAAACWg/Tzd1LT4xPGQ/s640/D4%2Btitle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find the Easter eggs?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There are two this time, but I'm going to give you another hint...though I've been sticking with currently popular fandoms up to this point, you're going to have to think a little old school for these ones!<br /><br />(Also, FISH ARE GROSS. &nbsp;I had to touch it. &nbsp;EWWW.)<br /><br />How'd you do last time? &nbsp;Ready for the reveal?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY5SWcd4QI8/VX9wDww2ssI/AAAAAAAACWw/RXS2gW-vQyE/s1600/D3%2Btitle%2BEaster%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY5SWcd4QI8/VX9wDww2ssI/AAAAAAAACWw/RXS2gW-vQyE/s640/D3%2Btitle%2BEaster%2Beggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />That's Sam and Dean Winchester's car from <i>Supernatural</i>&nbsp;in the foreground! &nbsp;Well, it's not <i>exactly</i>&nbsp;their car...I couldn't get a hold of a Matchbox 1967 Chevy Impala, so I bought the closest match I could find from that era, painted it black, and printed off a tiny graphic of their license plate to glue on (there's one in the front, too).<br /><br />Let me know in the comments if you think you've found this week's Easter eggs! &nbsp;May the odds be ever in your favor! :-)<br /><br /><i>(Ready for <a href="http://raisinglittledragonslayers.blogspot.com/2015/07/district-5-pizza-bread.html">District 5</a>?)</i>Sara Richeyhttps://plus.google.com/109121428521510809181noreply@blogger.com0